CVE-2015-9052 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 while processing a downlink message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9052 represents a critical flaw in Qualcomm's LTE implementation within Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel framework. This issue affects all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code-Aurora Forum, creating a widespread security concern across numerous mobile devices. The vulnerability manifests during the processing of downlink messages within the LTE communication protocol, which forms the backbone of modern mobile data connectivity. This particular weakness resides in the kernel-level implementation of LTE functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a foundational layer of the mobile operating system.
The technical flaw stems from an assertion that can be triggered while processing downlink messages in the LTE subsystem. An assertion in software development represents a condition that the programmer expects to be true at a specific point in the execution flow. When this assertion fails or is improperly handled, it can lead to system instability, crashes, or potentially more severe consequences. In this case, the assertion failure occurs during the normal processing of LTE downlink communications, which are messages sent from the network infrastructure to the mobile device. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of software assertion failure, which is categorized as CWE-617 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically relating to reachable assertions that can be exploited to cause program termination or unexpected behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9052 extends beyond simple device instability or performance degradation. When an assertion failure occurs during LTE message processing, it can potentially lead to complete system crashes or restarts, disrupting critical communication services for users. Mobile devices may experience unexpected reboots, loss of network connectivity, or complete system hangs during active LTE data sessions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because LTE connectivity is fundamental to modern smartphone functionality, encompassing both voice calls and data services. The attack surface is broad as it affects all Qualcomm-based devices running Android versions from the Code-Aurora Forum, which includes a significant portion of the Android smartphone market. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged to create denial-of-service conditions, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt communications or create opportunities for more sophisticated attacks.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve several layers of protection. Qualcomm and device manufacturers should implement proper assertion handling mechanisms that prevent the system from crashing when assertions fail during LTE processing. This includes implementing robust error handling routines and ensuring that downlink message processing includes proper validation and sanitization. System updates and patches should be deployed immediately to address the root cause of the assertion failure. Network operators may also need to implement monitoring systems to detect unusual behavior patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network disruption through denial-of-service attacks, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise security teams managing mobile device fleets. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel-level security implementation, as it represents a failure in the foundational security controls that protect mobile device communications.