CVE-2015-9116 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 810, SD 820, and SD 820A, in a QTEE syscall handler, an untrusted pointer dereference can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9116 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, specifically targeting automotive and mobile platforms. This issue resides within the Qualcomm TrustZone Execution Environment (QTEE) syscall handler, which operates in a trusted execution environment separate from the main Android operating system. The vulnerability manifests as an untrusted pointer dereference, a condition that occurs when the system attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly validated or sanitized. This flaw exists in devices with Snapdragon Automotive and Mobile chipsets including the MDM9625, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, and SD 820A processors, making it particularly concerning due to the widespread adoption of these components in both automotive and mobile devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the QTEE syscall handler, which processes system calls from untrusted environments. When malicious input reaches this handler, the system fails to properly validate pointer references before dereferencing them, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. This untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, though it specifically occurs in the context of a trusted execution environment where the consequences of exploitation are amplified. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the QTEE, which is designed to provide security isolation for sensitive operations such as cryptographic processing, secure boot, and hardware-based authentication mechanisms. The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass security boundaries and potentially gain elevated privileges within the trusted execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9116 extends beyond typical mobile security concerns due to the automotive applications of the affected Snapdragon chipsets. Devices utilizing these processors in automotive environments, such as infotainment systems, vehicle security modules, and telematics units, face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited. Attackers could potentially compromise the secure boot process, manipulate cryptographic operations, or access sensitive vehicle data that should remain isolated within the trusted execution environment. The vulnerability's presence in automotive chipsets creates a unique risk profile where exploitation could lead to vehicle control system compromises, unauthorized access to personal data, or even safety-critical system failures. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive manufacturers and fleet operators who rely on these processors for security-critical functions. The exploitation could enable attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks that would normally be prevented by the QTEE's isolation properties, effectively neutralizing the security benefits of the trusted execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9116 require both immediate patching and long-term architectural considerations. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant Android security patches released in April 2018 or later, which address the pointer validation issues in the QTEE syscall handler. Device manufacturers and automotive OEMs must ensure their firmware updates include fixes for this vulnerability, particularly in systems where the QTEE is relied upon for security-critical operations. The mitigation approach should also consider implementing additional runtime protections such as stack canaries, pointer validation checks, and memory access monitoring within the QTEE environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution environment manipulation, with potential TTPs including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and secure element manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in automotive environments where such attacks could have severe consequences. Regular security assessments of trusted execution environments and comprehensive vulnerability management programs should be established to prevent similar issues from arising in future implementations.