CVE-2015-9203 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 in playready_set_domainid could lead to a buffer overread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9203 represents a critical buffer overread flaw affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This issue resides within the playready_set_domainid function which processes domain identification data for Microsoft's PlayReady digital rights management system. The vulnerability manifests in Android devices that received security patches prior to April 5, 2018, impacting a wide range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and numerous SD series processors from SD 210 through SD 850. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the boundaries of data being processed, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can cause the system to read beyond allocated memory buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the playready_set_domainid function receives unvalidated input parameters that exceed expected buffer sizes. This buffer overread condition allows attackers to potentially access sensitive memory regions containing confidential data, system information, or cryptographic keys. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Qualcomm hardware abstraction layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to extract privileged information or potentially escalate privileges. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" conditions, though the specific implementation involves heap memory overread scenarios. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the automotive applications where these chipsets are deployed, as they often handle critical vehicle systems and data processing functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and system compromise. Mobile device users running affected Android versions become vulnerable to attacks that could potentially access personal data, location information, or device credentials. In automotive contexts, the implications are even more severe as compromised systems could affect vehicle safety features, entertainment systems, or connectivity functions. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Snapdragon generations means that a significant portion of Android automotive and mobile devices remain at risk, with the affected platforms representing a substantial portion of the automotive infotainment and connectivity market. Attackers could exploit this through malicious applications or compromised content that triggers the vulnerable code path, making the attack vector both accessible and potentially undetectable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9203 require immediate deployment of security patches from device manufacturers and Google, as well as implementation of proper input validation measures within the affected software components. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest security patch levels, particularly those operating in automotive environments where safety-critical systems may be at risk. System administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential attacks targeting this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage such flaws to gain elevated system privileges. Additionally, implementing proper memory access controls and bounds checking mechanisms within the PlayReady implementation would provide defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities in the future, aligning with security best practices established by NIST and other cybersecurity standards organizations.