CVE-2015-9143 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 600, SD 615/16/SD 415, and SDX20, when reading CDT from eMMC with a very large meta offset (>size of default CDT-array compiled in bootloader) for one of the CDBs, a buffer overflow occurs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wear processors affecting Android devices with security patch levels prior to 2018-04-05. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to read CDT (Chipset Data Table) from eMMC storage with an excessively large meta offset parameter that exceeds the bounds of the default CDT-array allocated within the bootloader. This buffer overflow condition occurs specifically during the processing of CDB (Chipset Data Block) structures where the offset value validation fails to properly constrain the memory access operations. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow scenario that falls under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. The exploitation of this vulnerability can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution within the bootloader context, which is a critical attack surface given the bootloader's privileged execution environment and its role in system initialization processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the eMMC CDT reading functionality. When the system encounters a CDB with a meta offset exceeding the pre-allocated buffer size, the memory access operations proceed without proper boundary checks, allowing data to be written beyond the allocated memory space. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, which involves exploiting weaknesses in system boot processes to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the bootloader level where the system has the highest privileges and where exploitation can result in complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to encompass full system compromise and potential persistent backdoor establishment. Attackers who can trigger this condition can potentially execute malicious code with bootloader privileges, enabling them to bypass all standard security mechanisms including encryption, secure boot, and runtime integrity checks. The affected hardware platforms include multiple generations of Snapdragon processors which were widely deployed in smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, making this vulnerability potentially widespread across numerous device models. The vulnerability's exploitation requires physical access or the ability to install malicious firmware, but once triggered, it can establish persistent control over the device. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices and implementing hardware-based security measures such as secure boot enforcement and memory protection mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of robust input validation in firmware components and demonstrates how seemingly minor parameter validation flaws can result in critical security breaches. Device manufacturers and security teams must ensure comprehensive testing of bootloader components and implement proper bounds checking to prevent similar issues in future firmware implementations.