CVE-2015-9066 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in an Inter-RAT procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9066 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Qualcomm's Android implementations that affects devices utilizing the Linux kernel framework. This issue specifically manifests within Inter-RAT (Inter-Radio Access Technology) procedures, which govern the handover processes between different wireless communication technologies such as GSM, CDMA, and LTE networks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the kernel-level components responsible for handling radio access technology transitions. This flaw exists across all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and utilize the Linux kernel architecture, making it widespread across numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The buffer overflow occurs when the system processes data related to radio access technology handovers without properly bounds-checking the incoming data structures, leading to potential memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context of affected devices, potentially compromising the entire system security posture. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write operations. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, persistent backdoor installation, or the ability to bypass security mechanisms that rely on proper memory management. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability during network handover scenarios when devices transition between different cellular technologies, making the attack surface particularly concerning given the frequency of such operations in mobile environments. The vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel layer means that even legitimate system operations could trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized privilege escalation.
The implications of CVE-2015-9066 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access through kernel-level code execution. The widespread nature of affected Qualcomm products means that numerous device models across different manufacturers could be impacted, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Organizations and users must understand that this vulnerability exists in the foundational communication layers of mobile devices, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. The vulnerability's exploitation could also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent surveillance capabilities, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities in the device ecosystem. Given that the flaw exists in the kernel space and affects Inter-RAT procedures, it represents a fundamental weakness in how mobile devices handle network transitions, potentially compromising the integrity of all communication channels during these critical operations. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions and Qualcomm product lines necessitates comprehensive patch management strategies and security monitoring to prevent exploitation attempts.