CVE-2015-9188 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, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 600, 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 Secure DEMUX command handler, when parameter validation fails, an error code is written into a response buffer without checking that response buffer length, passed from HLOS, which may result in memory corruption.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile chipsets affecting Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The issue resides in the Secure DEMUX command handler component which processes commands from the Hypervisor Level Operating System HLOS. When parameter validation fails during command processing, the system writes an error code into a response buffer without performing adequate bounds checking against the buffer length provided by HLOS. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a potential memory corruption scenario that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper buffer management within the secure command processing pipeline. The Secure DEMUX handler receives command parameters from HLOS but fails to validate whether the supplied response buffer size is sufficient to accommodate the error code being written. This oversight allows for potential buffer overflow conditions where the error code might overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data or executable code. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9650, and various SD series processors, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's automotive and mobile product lines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it could enable privilege escalation attacks within the secure execution environment. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to secure processing contexts, potentially compromising the integrity of sensitive automotive systems or mobile device security features. The vulnerability's location within the secure command handler makes it particularly dangerous as it operates in a trusted execution environment where normal security boundaries may not apply. This type of memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains targeting mobile device security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the latest security patches from device manufacturers, which typically include proper bounds checking in the Secure DEMUX handler. System administrators should also implement monitoring for anomalous command processing behavior and consider firmware updates that address the buffer validation logic. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation even in trusted execution environments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as memory protection mechanisms and runtime integrity checks to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability exemplifies the challenges in securing automotive and mobile platforms where hardware and software components must maintain strict security boundaries while providing necessary functionality.