CVE-2015-9067 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a potential compiler optimization of memset() is addressed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9067 represents a critical issue affecting Qualcomm products that utilize Android-based systems with Linux kernel implementations. This flaw specifically targets compiler optimization behaviors within the memset() function, which serves as a fundamental memory management operation in embedded systems and mobile platforms. The vulnerability manifests across all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and leverage Linux kernel frameworks, creating a widespread impact that extends to numerous mobile devices and embedded systems worldwide. The issue arises from how certain compiler optimizations interact with memory clearing operations, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in system memory management.
The technical root cause of CVE-2015-9067 stems from aggressive compiler optimizations that may reorder or eliminate memory operations during the memset() function execution. When compilers apply specific optimization strategies, they can inadvertently modify the expected behavior of memory clearing operations, particularly when dealing with volatile memory regions or when the memset() function is used in conjunction with other memory management functions. This optimization can result in memory areas not being properly cleared or initialized, creating potential security implications for system stability and data protection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because memset() is a widely used function in system code, making the impact of incorrect optimization pervasive throughout the software stack.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for Qualcomm-based devices running Android systems, as improper memory clearing can lead to information leakage, system instability, or potential exploitation by malicious actors. The impact extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially affecting secure boot processes, cryptographic operations, and overall system integrity. Attackers could potentially exploit the incorrect memory clearing behavior to recover sensitive data from memory regions that should have been properly cleared, or to manipulate system state in ways that compromise security. The vulnerability's presence in Linux kernel implementations means that any Qualcomm product utilizing these kernel components is at risk, regardless of the specific Android version or device type.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-9067 requires careful consideration of compiler optimization settings and kernel modifications to ensure proper memory handling behaviors. System administrators and device manufacturers should review their compiler optimization levels and consider disabling specific aggressive optimizations that affect memory clearing operations. The solution involves updating kernel implementations to address the specific optimization behaviors that cause the issue, often requiring modifications to how memset() and related functions are implemented or compiled. Organizations should also implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate memory management behaviors in their specific device configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-681, which addresses incorrect use of a function with a known security vulnerability, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios.
Security professionals should monitor for patches and updates from Qualcomm and Android vendors that address this specific memory optimization issue. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of understanding how compiler optimizations interact with security-critical functions, particularly in embedded systems where memory management behaviors can have far-reaching consequences. Regular security assessments should include verification of memory clearing operations and compiler optimization settings to prevent similar issues from arising in other system components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that seemingly benign compiler optimizations can have significant security implications when applied to critical system functions, requiring careful analysis of optimization impacts on security-critical code paths.