CVE-2015-9038 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a NULL pointer may be dereferenced in the front end.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9038 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw affecting Qualcomm products that utilize Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum and operate on Linux kernel infrastructure. This issue manifests within the front end components of these systems, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the underlying software architecture. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms that fail to properly check for NULL pointer conditions before attempting memory access operations. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in mobile device ecosystems where the front end typically handles user interface interactions, sensor data processing, and system integration functions that are essential for device operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves scenarios where the front end component receives or processes data that results in a NULL pointer being passed to memory access operations. When the system attempts to dereference this NULL pointer, the kernel or application crashes, potentially leading to system instability or complete device failure. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a fundamental programming error that occurs when a program attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to NULL. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the Linux kernel level implementation, meaning that exploitation could potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges or system control capabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for Qualcomm-powered devices running Android systems. The NULL pointer dereference could be triggered through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised system components, or network-based exploits that manipulate front end data flows. Device manufacturers and users face potential risks including unauthorized system access, data corruption, service disruption, and in severe cases, complete device compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm products including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that rely on the Linux kernel for core system functionality. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system-level access, and T1547 which focuses on persistence mechanisms through kernel-level modifications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9038 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Qualcomm and device manufacturers to address the underlying kernel implementation issues. System administrators and security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for abnormal system behavior or crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of robust input validation and pointer checking mechanisms within front end components provides essential protection against similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, deployment of runtime application protection measures and memory integrity checks can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surface, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader system architecture. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough code review processes and adherence to secure coding practices, particularly when developing kernel-level components that handle critical system functions.