CVE-2015-9053 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the processing of certain responses from the USIM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9053 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Qualcomm's Android implementations that affects devices utilizing the Linux kernel and Common Android Framework components. This issue specifically manifests during the processing of responses received from the Universal Subscriber Identity Module which serves as a critical component in mobile network authentication and security operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the kernel-level code responsible for handling USIM communication protocols. Such buffer overflows typically occur when programs write more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, potentially allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute arbitrary code. The impact extends across all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Common Android Framework, indicating a widespread exposure that affects numerous mobile devices and potentially automotive systems relying on Qualcomm chipsets.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to corrupt stack memory. The flaw specifically targets the USIM processing subsystem, which operates at a low level within the mobile device's security architecture and interfaces directly with cellular network authentication mechanisms. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious responses that trigger the buffer overflow during normal USIM operations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The Linux kernel implementation of USIM handling lacks proper validation of response lengths and buffer boundaries, creating an attack surface where malicious input can cause memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, bypassing standard user-space protections and potentially enabling attackers to gain root access to the device.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for mobile device security and privacy, as USIM modules are fundamental to mobile network authentication and secure communications. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of SIM card responses during authentication processes, which could occur during normal device operation or through specially crafted network conditions. Devices affected by this vulnerability may experience unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the SIM card, including authentication tokens, encryption keys, and personal data. The widespread nature of Qualcomm's chipset usage across various Android manufacturers means that millions of devices could be potentially affected, creating a substantial risk for both individual users and enterprise environments. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks on cellular communications or gain persistent access to devices through compromised authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9053 require immediate patching of affected Qualcomm chipsets and Android implementations, with security updates addressing the buffer overflow in the USIM processing code. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous USIM response patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring proper firmware updates are deployed across all affected devices. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as attackers could leverage this flaw to gain elevated system privileges. Device manufacturers should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their kernel implementations and establish robust input validation procedures for all communication protocols, particularly those involving authentication mechanisms. Regular security audits of mobile device firmware and kernel components are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in device functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against this specific buffer overflow vulnerability.