CVE-2015-9134 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, and SD 810, while processing QSEE Syscall 'qsee_macc_gen_ecc_privkey', untrusted pointer dereference occurs, which could result in arbitrary write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9134 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, specifically targeting the QSEE (Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment) subsystem. This vulnerability manifests in devices running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, impacting a wide range of Snapdragon mobile platforms including the SD 410/12, SD 615/16, SD 415, and SD 810 chipsets. The issue resides within the secure execution environment that governs sensitive cryptographic operations and system-level functions, making it particularly dangerous as it operates in a privileged execution context separate from the main Android operating system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from an untrusted pointer dereference condition occurring during the processing of the QSEE Syscall 'qsee_macc_gen_ecc_privkey'. This syscall is responsible for generating elliptic curve cryptography private keys within the secure execution environment, a critical function for device security and authentication. The flaw arises when the system fails to properly validate input parameters before dereferencing pointers, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory locations through crafted inputs. This unvalidated pointer dereference creates a pathway for arbitrary write operations, where malicious code can overwrite critical memory segments including system functions, kernel code, or security-related data structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference issues, and represents a variant of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that leverage trusted system components to gain elevated access rights.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9134 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire device security infrastructure. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain root-level access to the device, allowing for complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or installation of persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates within the QSEE environment, which is designed to provide a trusted execution environment for cryptographic operations and secure key storage. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for devices that rely on hardware-based security features such as secure boot, trusted execution, or hardware-backed encryption. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised Wi-Fi networks, or even physical device access, making it a significant threat to both individual users and enterprise security environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9134 primarily focus on patch management and system hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, specifically targeting the 2018-04-05 security update or later versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all affected devices receive timely updates, as this vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual syscall patterns or memory access violations within the QSEE environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and pointer safety mechanisms in secure execution environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. Device manufacturers and security teams should also conduct thorough security assessments of their mobile device management policies, as this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in hardware-software security integration that affects a significant portion of the mobile device ecosystem.