CVE-2015-9044 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a vulnerability exists in LTE where an assertion can be reached due to an improper bound on the size of a frequency list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9044 represents a critical security flaw within Qualcomm's LTE implementation across various Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel. This issue stems from an improper boundary check on frequency list sizes within the LTE subsystem, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's communication protocols. The vulnerability affects all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and operate using the Linux kernel framework, indicating a widespread impact across numerous mobile devices and network infrastructure components.
The technical flaw manifests as an assertion failure that occurs when processing frequency lists in LTE communication protocols. This improper bound checking allows an attacker to potentially craft malicious frequency lists that exceed the expected size parameters, leading to a system assertion that can cause the device to crash or behave unpredictably. The vulnerability resides in the LTE modem software stack where frequency list validation occurs, specifically within the radio access network layer of the mobile device's communication stack. This type of boundary error falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to improper validation of the lower and upper bounds of a recognized security domain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device instability, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt cellular communications, cause denial of service conditions, or in more sophisticated scenarios, create opportunities for further exploitation. When an assertion fails due to oversized frequency lists, the device may enter an unrecoverable state, requiring a reboot or power cycle to restore normal operation. This disruption can be particularly severe in mission-critical applications where continuous cellular connectivity is essential, such as emergency services, industrial communication systems, or transportation networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 which covers registry run keys and startup folder, as the device instability could potentially be leveraged to establish persistent access through system-level disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9044 primarily involve firmware updates from device manufacturers and Qualcomm's release of security patches that correct the boundary checking implementation. System administrators should prioritize applying these patches to all affected devices, particularly those in critical infrastructure environments. Network operators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement network-level detection mechanisms to identify malformed frequency list communications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of communication protocols, especially in mobile network infrastructure where device stability directly impacts public safety and critical services.