CVE-2015-9211 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, while provising the Playready module, a buffer overread may occur if the message passed is large.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform implementations of the Microsoft PlayReady digital rights management system. The flaw manifests as a buffer overread condition that occurs when processing large message data within the PlayReady module. This issue affects a wide range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and numerous SD series processors from SD 210 through SD 850. The vulnerability specifically impacts Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level, representing a critical flaw in the hardware-software integration that governs digital content protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the PlayReady module's message processing logic. When the system receives a message that exceeds expected buffer dimensions, the code fails to properly validate the message size before attempting to read from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This overread condition can result in information disclosure, system instability, or potentially enable further exploitation vectors. The flaw operates at the intersection of hardware-level processor security and software-based digital rights management protocols, creating a unique attack surface that affects automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices simultaneously. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in security-critical components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it affects automotive systems that rely on Qualcomm's Snapdragon platforms for entertainment, navigation, and connectivity services. Attackers could potentially exploit this condition to extract sensitive information from memory, disrupt system operations, or gain unauthorized access to vehicle entertainment systems. The widespread adoption of these Snapdragon chipsets across automotive manufacturers and mobile device vendors amplifies the potential impact, as the vulnerability affects numerous vehicle models and smartphone platforms. The security implications are particularly concerning given that automotive systems often handle sensitive data and may be connected to vehicle control systems, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates how hardware-level security flaws in embedded systems can create cascading effects throughout automotive and mobile ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing the latest security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android vendors, which address the buffer overread condition through proper bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious activity related to PlayReady module usage, particularly in automotive environments. The implementation of runtime protection mechanisms and regular security assessments can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should ensure proper firmware update mechanisms are in place to maintain system security. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for embedded systems and the need for coordinated patch management across hardware and software vendors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a software supply chain attack vector, emphasizing the need for robust component validation and secure development practices throughout the automotive and mobile technology ecosystems.