CVE-2015-9147 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9625, MDM9635M, SD 400, and SD 800, userspace-provided pointer arguments are not validated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9147 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, specifically the MDM9625, MDM9635M, SD 400, and SD 800 chipsets. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user-space provided pointer arguments within the kernel-level components of the Android operating system. The vulnerability exists in devices running Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making a substantial portion of legacy Android devices susceptible to exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of memory pointers that are passed from userspace applications to kernel space components. When applications provide pointer arguments to kernel functions, these pointers should undergo rigorous validation to ensure they point to valid memory locations within the intended address space. However, in affected Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, this validation process is either absent or insufficient, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. This flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate kernel memory through crafted pointer values, potentially leading to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the affected device, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core security model of Android devices, as it allows userspace applications to manipulate kernel memory structures, effectively bypassing the fundamental security boundaries between user and kernel space. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard Android applications, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires a user to install and run a malicious application, making it a prime example of a privilege escalation attack. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices, as the vulnerability affects devices that may be in use for extended periods without security updates. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, along with implementing network-level monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should ensure that future devices implement robust pointer validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the kernel components.