CVE-2015-9210 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_licacq_process_response() can lead to memory over read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9210 represents a critical memory safety issue affecting various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset families used in Android devices. This flaw exists within the PlayReady license acquisition process, specifically in the playready_licacq_process_response() function which handles digital rights management operations for media content. The vulnerability manifests as a lack of proper input validation during license response processing, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the system's memory access patterns. This issue impacts a broad range of Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and wear platforms including the MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and numerous SD series processors spanning from entry-level to flagship devices. The vulnerability was addressed through security patches released in April 2018, but remained exploitable in devices running older security patch levels.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a memory over-read condition that occurs when the playready_licacq_process_response() function processes malformed or unvalidated input data from PlayReady license responses. This function fails to properly validate the length or content of incoming data structures, allowing an attacker to craft malicious license responses that cause the system to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to information disclosure and potential privilege escalation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially accessing kernel data, credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. The memory over-read behavior creates a pathway for information leakage that could aid in further exploitation attempts or system reconnaissance.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9210 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could enable more sophisticated attacks. Devices running affected Snapdragon chipsets are vulnerable to attackers who can manipulate PlayReady license acquisition processes, particularly in environments where media content is regularly processed or where digital rights management systems are actively engaged. The vulnerability affects automotive systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology, making it relevant across multiple threat vectors and attack surfaces. Organizations deploying these vulnerable systems face potential risks including unauthorized access to protected content, information leakage that could compromise user privacy, and possible escalation to full system compromise. The widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon platforms across various device categories means that the potential attack surface is extensive, with many devices remaining vulnerable due to delayed patch deployment or device end-of-life status.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9210 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and Android vendors, which address the input validation deficiencies in the PlayReady license acquisition module. Device manufacturers and users should prioritize updating to security patch levels released in April 2018 or later, ensuring that all affected Snapdragon platforms receive the necessary firmware and system updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-level monitoring to detect anomalous PlayReady license acquisition traffic patterns and establishing secure content delivery practices that minimize exposure to malformed license responses. Security teams should also consider isolating systems that process sensitive media content and implementing strict input validation controls at multiple layers of the system architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in security-critical components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to leverage the information disclosure for further exploitation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all devices running affected Snapdragon chipsets and ensure complete remediation across their deployed fleets.