CVE-2015-9041 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists when performing WCDMA radio tuning.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9041 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel for their operating system framework. This issue specifically manifests during WCDMA radio tuning operations, which are fundamental to mobile network connectivity and signal management. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code-Aurora Forum (CAF) and operate on Linux kernel infrastructure, creating a widespread impact across numerous mobile device models and manufacturers who rely on Qualcomm's chipset solutions.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during the WCDMA radio tuning process, where maliciously crafted inputs can cause the system to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This buffer overflow condition occurs when the radio tuning parameters are processed without proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because WCDMA radio tuning is a critical system function that operates at a low level within the device's communication stack, often requiring elevated privileges and direct hardware access. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution within the radio subsystem, potentially compromising the entire device's security posture.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9041 extends beyond simple system instability or crashes, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain control over the radio communication subsystem, potentially enabling surveillance capabilities, interception of mobile communications, or even complete device takeover. The nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation could occur during normal device operation when WCDMA tuning is performed, making it particularly dangerous as it doesn't require user interaction or specialized conditions. This makes the vulnerability suitable for advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers seek to establish long-term access to target devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9041 should focus on both immediate patching and architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. Qualcomm has released security patches that address the buffer overflow through enhanced input validation and proper memory boundary checking during radio tuning operations. Organizations and device manufacturers should prioritize applying these patches across all affected devices and implement robust firmware update mechanisms to ensure timely deployment. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following established security frameworks such as those outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, specifically CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions, and aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution within system components. Network monitoring and anomaly detection systems should also be enhanced to detect unusual radio tuning activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.