CVE-2015-9153 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850, in a DRM function, a buffer over-read can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9153 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform processors. This security weakness exists within the Digital Rights Management functionality of Android systems, specifically impacting devices manufactured by Qualcomm that utilize their Snapdragon chipset families. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these processors in automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices. The flaw manifests in the DRM subsystem where insufficient input validation allows for memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries, creating potential pathways for malicious code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the DRM processing functions of the affected Qualcomm chipsets. When processing digital rights management content, the system fails to properly validate input parameters, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that exceed the intended buffer limits. This buffer over-read condition can result in information disclosure, system instability, or potentially arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory locations accessed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a low system level within the DRM subsystem, which often runs with elevated privileges and has direct access to sensitive system resources. The flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9153 extends significantly beyond typical mobile device security concerns, particularly given the automotive applications of the affected Snapdragon platforms. Vehicles equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive systems, including those using the IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, and various MSM8909W processors, face potential compromise through this vulnerability. Attackers could exploit the buffer over-read to gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems, potentially affecting infotainment, navigation, or even safety-critical functions depending on the vehicle's architecture. The vulnerability affects a broad range of processors including the SD 210/212/205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850 chipsets, representing a substantial attack surface across multiple generations of mobile and automotive processors. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute code remotely, potentially enabling attackers to take control of vehicle systems or access sensitive data stored on these platforms. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these processors are integrated into numerous automotive manufacturers' infotainment and telematics systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in automotive environments where system integrity is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9153 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Google and Qualcomm. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to versions released after the 2018-04-05 security patch level, which includes the necessary fixes for the DRM subsystem buffer over-read vulnerability. Device manufacturers and automotive OEMs must ensure that their firmware and software updates are properly deployed across all affected platforms, particularly in automotive environments where patching cycles may be more complex. Network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors and monitor for suspicious network activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all devices utilizing the affected Snapdragon processors and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches, particularly in automotive environments where system integrity is critical for safety and security. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security controls that must account for low-level system vulnerabilities affecting automotive and mobile platforms.