CVE-2015-9175 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 MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850, lack of input validation could lead to an untrusted pointer dereference in wv_dash_core_generic_verify().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9175 represents a critical security flaw affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets used in automotive, mobile, and wearable devices. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the wv_dash_core_generic_verify() function, which operates within the Widevine DRM implementation on Android platforms. The flaw manifests as an untrusted pointer dereference, a condition that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability affects devices shipped with Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets across multiple device categories.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the CWE-476 category of "NULL Pointer Dereference," though it specifically involves an untrusted pointer dereference that occurs during media processing operations. When the wv_dash_core_generic_verify() function processes malformed input data, it fails to properly validate pointer references before dereferencing them, potentially allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automotive environments where Snapdragon chipsets are used for infotainment systems, telematics, and vehicle control functions, as it could potentially enable remote code execution attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through code injection, specifically targeting the media processing subsystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9175 extends beyond simple system crashes or application failures, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive vehicle systems or personal data stored on affected devices. In automotive contexts, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to compromise vehicle entertainment systems or even access critical vehicle control functions through the same processing pipeline. The affected Snapdragon chipsets span multiple generations and product lines, from entry-level SD 205 processors to high-end SD 850 SoCs, indicating a broad attack surface. The vulnerability's presence in automotive-grade MDM (Modem) chipsets like the MDM9206 and MDM9650 further amplifies its significance, as these components often handle network communications and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing timely security patches from device manufacturers and ensuring proper firmware updates are deployed across affected platforms. Organizations should prioritize updating all devices running vulnerable Snapdragon chipsets to the latest Android security patch levels, particularly those released after April 2018. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting media processing functions, while automotive security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of connected vehicle systems. The remediation process requires careful coordination between chipset vendors, device manufacturers, and end-users to ensure comprehensive coverage of all affected devices. Additionally, defensive measures such as input validation enforcement, sandboxing of media processing components, and runtime integrity checks can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this specific class of vulnerability.