CVE-2015-9202 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 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, while processing the content headers in the Playready module, a buffer overread may occur if the header count exceeds the expected value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9202 represents a critical buffer overread condition affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets used in various Android devices including automotive, mobile, and wearables platforms. This flaw exists within the Playready module responsible for processing digital rights management content headers, specifically when handling header count values that exceed expected parameters. The vulnerability manifests in Android systems prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making a substantial portion of devices manufactured before this date susceptible to exploitation. The affected chipsets span multiple generations including MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and various SD series processors from SD 210 through SD 850, indicating the widespread nature of this vulnerability across Qualcomm's product portfolio.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the Playready module's header processing logic. When the module encounters content headers where the specified header count exceeds the predetermined maximum value, the system attempts to read beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This overread condition creates potential for information disclosure, system instability, or in worst-case scenarios, arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of multimedia processing and security validation, where legitimate content processing routines become vectors for memory corruption attacks. According to CWE classification, this represents a buffer overread vulnerability categorized under CWE-126, which specifically addresses conditions where a program reads data past the end of a buffer. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves executing malicious code through media processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9202 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with opportunities to gain unauthorized access to device memory spaces and potentially extract sensitive information. Mobile devices utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets could experience system crashes, unexpected behavior, or more serious security breaches depending on the execution context. The vulnerability's presence in automotive systems raises particular concerns regarding vehicle infotainment and connectivity security, as these platforms often handle sensitive data and may be connected to vehicle control systems. The widespread adoption of these chipsets across multiple device categories means that exploitation could affect hundreds of millions of devices globally. Additionally, the vulnerability's persistence across multiple generations of Snapdragon processors indicates a fundamental flaw in the implementation rather than a one-time coding error.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9202 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating their devices to Android versions containing the 2018-04-05 security patch or later. Device manufacturers must ensure proper firmware updates are distributed to affected users and implement robust testing procedures before deploying new software updates. Network administrators should monitor for signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds regarding this vulnerability. The security community recommends implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should avoid processing untrusted media content and maintain current security software to provide defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations deploying affected devices in critical infrastructure environments should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and consider implementing additional security controls to mitigate potential risks associated with this memory corruption vulnerability.