CVE-2015-9069 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the Secure File System can become corrupted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9069 represents a critical flaw in Qualcomm's implementation of the Secure File System within Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel framework. This issue affects all Qualcomm products that incorporate Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum (CAF) and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the secure file system manages data integrity and corruption prevention mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the underlying file system architecture that Qualcomm employs to protect sensitive data and system components from unauthorized access and modification.
The technical flaw manifests in the Secure File System's inability to properly maintain data consistency and integrity when processing certain file operations or system events. This weakness allows for potential corruption of the secure file system, which can compromise the integrity of protected data and potentially enable unauthorized access to sensitive system components. The vulnerability is rooted in the kernel-level implementation where proper error handling and data validation mechanisms fail to prevent or recover from corruption scenarios. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory handling, and CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to system instability and data corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9069 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it can potentially enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to secure system components and sensitive information stored within the protected file system. This vulnerability creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks where malicious actors could exploit the corrupted file system to execute arbitrary code or access protected resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android from CAF, meaning millions of devices could be potentially vulnerable. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it provides a pathway for attackers to manipulate system files and gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9069 require comprehensive system updates and patches from Qualcomm, as the vulnerability resides in the kernel-level implementation that cannot be addressed through application-level fixes alone. Device manufacturers must implement timely security updates that address the root cause of the file system corruption issue, which typically involves strengthening error handling mechanisms and implementing more robust data validation procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring solutions to detect potential file system corruption events and establish incident response protocols that can quickly identify and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper secure file system design and implementation, particularly in mobile environments where device integrity and data protection are paramount concerns.