CVE-2015-9128 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, and SD 835, lack of validation of the buffer size could lead to a buffer overread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-9128 represents a critical buffer overread flaw affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset variants used in mobile and automotive devices. This issue manifests in Android systems prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, specifically impacting Snapdragon Automotive, Mobile, and Wear platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of buffer sizes within the affected chipsets, creating a condition where malicious actors could potentially exploit this weakness to read data from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Such buffer overread conditions typically occur when software fails to properly check array bounds before accessing memory, allowing unauthorized data access patterns that could expose sensitive information or system internals. The affected hardware platforms include a wide range of Qualcomm chipsets spanning multiple generations from the MDM9206 and MDM9650 automotive processors through various SD series mobile chipsets including the SD 210, SD 400, SD 615, SD 800, and SD 835 processors. These chipsets are widely deployed in smartphones, tablets, automotive infotainment systems, and wearable devices, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability across multiple device categories.
The technical implementation of this buffer overread vulnerability places the affected systems at risk of information disclosure and potential privilege escalation. When the system processes data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries, the overread condition can result in reading adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper validation of buffer sizes within memory management routines. The flaw represents a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms where the system does not adequately verify that data being processed remains within predetermined buffer limits. Attackers could potentially leverage this condition to gain insights into system memory structures, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as information gathering, system state reconnaissance, or even exploitation of cascading vulnerabilities that depend on accessing specific memory regions. The nature of the vulnerability suggests it could be exploited through malformed input data or specific system calls that trigger the buffer processing routines without proper boundary checking.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9128 extends significantly across the mobile and automotive ecosystems where affected Qualcomm chipsets are prevalent. Devices running Android versions prior to the specified security patch level remain vulnerable, potentially exposing users to data breaches, privacy violations, and system compromise. The automotive applications of these chipsets, particularly in infotainment systems and vehicle connectivity modules, present additional security concerns where unauthorized access to system memory could potentially affect vehicle safety systems or personal data protection. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when combined with other attack vectors or when the system is running unpatched firmware versions. Organizations and device manufacturers must consider the widespread deployment of these chipsets across multiple device types, from smartphones to automotive systems, when assessing risk and implementing remediation strategies. The vulnerability also demonstrates the challenges inherent in securing complex embedded systems where hardware and software components interact across multiple layers, requiring coordinated patch management across both firmware and operating system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9128 focus primarily on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, ensuring that affected devices receive the necessary firmware and software updates. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patch levels, particularly those operating in high-risk environments or handling sensitive data. Device manufacturers and OEMs must implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their device fleets. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory management practices in embedded systems development, emphasizing the need for adherence to secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows and overreads. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the ATT&CK framework's techniques related to information gathering and privilege escalation that could leverage such buffer overread conditions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of patch status for these specific chipset variants to prevent exploitation attempts targeting the identified buffer validation weaknesses.