CVE-2015-9109 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile and Snapdragon Mobile MDM9625, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, and SD 820A, lack of address argument validation inqsee_fuse_write could lead to untrusted pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9109 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android devices equipped with specific Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets including the Snapdragon Automobile and Snapdragon Mobile MDM9625, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, and SD 820A processors. This issue stems from insufficient validation of address arguments within the qsee_fuse_write function, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities. The vulnerability was present in Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making a substantial number of devices susceptible to potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment (QSEE) subsystem where the qsee_fuse_write function processes write operations to fuse registers. When address arguments are not properly validated, attackers can manipulate memory addresses to point to arbitrary locations, resulting in unauthorized memory access patterns. This untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference issues and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation controls. The flaw allows for potential privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the secure execution environment, compromising the integrity of the device's security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to manipulate critical hardware security features that protect sensitive data and system integrity. Devices running affected Android versions become susceptible to attacks that could compromise the secure boot process, tamper with cryptographic keys stored in hardware fuses, or gain unauthorized access to protected system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547.001 which addresses "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" as attackers might leverage this weakness to establish persistent access through modified system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9109 primarily involve applying the relevant security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, specifically targeting the 2018-04-05 security update. Device manufacturers should ensure all affected Snapdragon chipsets receive proper firmware updates and that users are prompted to install these critical patches immediately. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network-based detection measures that monitor for known exploitation signatures and maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues across their device fleets. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical subsystems and highlights the need for robust address space validation mechanisms in embedded systems processing.