CVE-2015-9150 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, while computing the length of memory allocated for a Diag event, if the buffer length is very small or greater than the maximum, an integer overflow may occur, which later results in a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9150 represents a critical memory management flaw affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets including MDM9625, MDM9635M, SD 400, and SD 800 platforms. This issue manifests in Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, creating a dangerous condition where improper integer handling during memory allocation can lead to severe memory corruption. The vulnerability specifically occurs during the computation of memory allocation length for Diag events, which are diagnostic communication protocols used for device debugging and monitoring within the Android operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that arises when processing buffer length calculations for diagnostic events. When the buffer length parameter is either extremely small or exceeds predefined maximum limits, the integer arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the overflow scenario. This integer overflow subsequently propagates into a buffer overflow condition, where maliciously crafted diagnostic data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw operates at the kernel level within Qualcomm's mobile platform components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without user interaction and potentially allows for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9150 extends beyond typical memory corruption scenarios, as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the mobile operating system, potentially accessing sensitive user data, modifying system files, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Android devices manufactured by various OEMs that utilize the affected Qualcomm chipsets, making it a significant concern for enterprise security and individual device users. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that diagnostic protocols are often enabled in production devices for debugging purposes, providing an accessible entry point for exploitation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released in April 2018, which address the integer overflow conditions in the memory allocation routines. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to ensure all affected devices receive timely updates. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for suspicious diagnostic communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through compromised diagnostic interfaces. Device manufacturers should consider implementing runtime protections and memory sanitization techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations.