CVE-2015-9177 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, in a crypto API function, a buffer over-read can occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9177 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the cryptographic application programming interface of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This weakness exists in Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, affecting a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and numerous SD series processors spanning from the SD 210 through the SD 850. The flaw specifically manifests within the crypto API function, creating a scenario where malicious actors can potentially access memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which represents a fundamental weakness in memory management that has been a persistent concern in embedded systems and mobile platforms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these Qualcomm chipsets in automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices, making this vulnerability exploitable across multiple device types and manufacturers.
The technical implementation of this buffer over-read occurs when cryptographic operations process input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size within the crypto API function. When the system attempts to read beyond the valid memory boundaries, it may access adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data, potentially including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.002 for Credential Dumping, as the over-read could expose credentials or encryption keys stored in memory. The exploitation requires careful crafting of input data to trigger the specific buffer over-read condition, typically involving malformed cryptographic parameters or inputs that cause the API to exceed its expected buffer limits. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the underlying cryptographic infrastructure, potentially compromising the security of all cryptographic operations performed on these platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9177 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to extract sensitive cryptographic material that may be used for further exploitation or to bypass security mechanisms. In automotive environments, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to compromise vehicle security systems, access personal information stored in infotainment units, or even interfere with critical vehicle functions. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Snapdragon chipsets means that a single exploit could affect numerous vehicle models and mobile devices simultaneously. Organizations deploying these platforms face significant risk as the vulnerability can be leveraged to perform advanced persistent threats or credential harvesting attacks. The memory access pattern associated with this buffer over-read creates opportunities for attackers to gather information about the system's memory layout, potentially enabling more sophisticated exploitation techniques including privilege escalation or code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, ensuring all affected devices receive the necessary updates to address the buffer over-read condition. System administrators should prioritize updating automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices to the latest security patch levels, particularly given the vulnerability's impact on both consumer and automotive platforms. The implementation of memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap metadata validation can help prevent exploitation attempts, though these measures are secondary to proper patching. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious cryptographic API usage patterns and consider network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers must ensure that their supply chain processes include verification of security patch compliance, particularly for automotive platforms where security failures can have life-threatening consequences. The vulnerability's classification as a memory safety issue underscores the importance of code review processes and static analysis tools that can identify similar buffer over-read conditions in cryptographic implementations.