CVE-2015-9068 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an argument to a mink syscall is not properly validated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9068 represents a critical security flaw affecting Qualcomm products that utilize Android-based systems with Linux kernel implementations. This issue stems from insufficient validation of arguments within a specific system call mechanism known as mink syscall. The vulnerability impacts all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and operate on Linux kernel foundations. The mink syscall serves as a crucial interface for memory management operations within the kernel, making this flaw particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized access to critical system resources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of input parameters passed to the mink syscall function. When the Linux kernel processes this system call, it fails to adequately verify the legitimacy and safety of the arguments provided by user-space applications. This lack of input sanitization creates an opportunity for malicious actors to craft specially crafted inputs that could exploit the validation gap. The vulnerability specifically affects the argument handling mechanism within the kernel's memory management subsystem, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation parameters in ways that were not intended by the system design. This flaw is categorized under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," a fundamental weakness that enables various types of exploitation including buffer overflows and privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9068 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially enable privilege escalation attacks that allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could enable malicious applications or attackers to manipulate kernel memory management functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm-powered devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that rely on the Linux kernel for their operating system functionality. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective, as it affects numerous devices across different manufacturers that utilize Qualcomm chipsets. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread adoption of Qualcomm processors in Android devices, creating a significant risk for users who may be exposed to this vulnerability through standard application execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. Qualcomm and Android vendors should prioritize the deployment of kernel updates that properly validate arguments to the mink syscall function. Organizations should implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous system call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as the flaw could enable attackers to elevate their privileges within the system. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as exploitation might involve executing malicious code through compromised system call interfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires careful testing of kernel patches to ensure compatibility with existing device functionality while addressing the core validation issue that enables the vulnerability.