CVE-2015-9132 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile and Small Cell SoC FSM9055, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 800, and SD 810, possible arbitrary memory read due to untrusted pointer dereference when handling HLOS controlled values passed to the QSEE syscall helper.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and small cell system-on-chips affecting Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The issue stems from an untrusted pointer dereference flaw within the QSEE (Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment) syscall helper component that processes HLOS (High-Level Operating System) controlled values. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary memory reads when the system handles untrusted data passed through the secure execution environment's syscall interface.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic pointer validation issue where the QSEE syscall helper fails to properly validate input parameters received from the HLOS. This unvalidated data can contain malicious pointer values that, when dereferenced, allow an attacker to read arbitrary memory locations within the secure execution environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the secure execution environment, which is designed to provide isolation from the main operating system and protect sensitive operations. The issue affects multiple Snapdragon SoC generations including the FSM9055, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 800, and SD 810 chipsets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it represents a privilege escalation vector that could potentially allow attackers to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected. The ability to perform arbitrary memory reads within the secure execution environment could expose cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other sensitive data that the secure environment is meant to protect. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes null pointer dereference issues, though this specific case involves untrusted pointer dereference rather than null pointer dereference. The attack surface is particularly broad given the wide range of affected Snapdragon chipsets that power numerous Android devices from various manufacturers.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques within the secure execution environment and could potentially enable further attacks through information gathering phases. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited through system-level manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies targeting the specific security patch level mentioned in the advisory, while also monitoring for any related exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include firmware updates from device manufacturers, as well as network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting the vulnerable syscall interface. Device vendors should prioritize rolling out security patches for affected Snapdragon chipsets to prevent unauthorized memory access and maintain the integrity of the secure execution environment.