CVE-2015-9173 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 410/12, SD 617, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, and SD 810, missing of return value check in memscpy can cause memory corruption in TQS App.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9173 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors integrated into various Android devices. This flaw manifests in the memscpy function implementation where the return value from a memory copying operation is not properly validated, creating a potential pathway for memory corruption within the TQS App environment. The affected hardware platforms include Snapdragon SD 410/12, SD 617, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, and SD 810 chipsets, which were widely deployed in smartphones and tablets during their respective release cycles. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling practices in the memory management subsystem, specifically within the Trusted QSEE (Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment) application framework that governs secure processing operations on these mobile platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the memscpy function fails to verify the success of memory copy operations, allowing corrupted data to be written to memory locations that should remain protected or properly validated. This missing return value check creates a condition where memory corruption can occur without proper error detection mechanisms, potentially leading to unauthorized access to secure memory regions or complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the intersection of hardware security modules and software memory management, where the Snapdragon processors' secure execution environment fails to properly validate memory operations that are critical for maintaining system integrity. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-252, which specifically addresses "Missing Return Value Check" in software implementations, highlighting the fundamental error in the code logic that fails to validate critical system operations before proceeding with subsequent processing steps.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables potential privilege escalation and unauthorized system access through the compromised secure execution environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges within the TQS App context, potentially accessing sensitive data or executing malicious code within the secure processing environment that should remain isolated from regular user applications. The vulnerability affects devices with Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, indicating that this issue remained unaddressed for an extended period and likely affected millions of devices worldwide. This represents a significant concern for mobile security as the secure execution environment is designed to protect sensitive operations from malicious interference, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for devices handling confidential information or operating in security-critical environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9173 require immediate implementation of the security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers to address the missing return value check in memscpy operations. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patches, particularly focusing on the specific Snapdragon chipsets mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected hardware platforms, while also monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts within their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in security-critical code sections and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities in system components. Additionally, this vulnerability emphasizes the need for robust input validation and return value checking mechanisms in memory management functions, particularly within trusted execution environments where security failures can have catastrophic consequences for overall system integrity and data protection.