CVE-2015-9219 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 400 and SD 800, an integer overflow to buffer overflow can occur in a DRM API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9219 represents a critical security flaw affecting Android devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon SD 400 and SD 800 mobile platforms. This issue manifests within the Digital Rights Management API implementation where an integer overflow condition can be exploited to trigger a subsequent buffer overflow. The vulnerability was present in Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level, making a substantial number of devices susceptible to potential exploitation. The flaw specifically impacts the handling of memory allocation within DRM operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory boundaries and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DRM API functions that process media content. When processing certain media files or DRM metadata, the system performs integer arithmetic operations that fail to properly validate the results against maximum permissible values. This integer overflow condition occurs when the calculated buffer size exceeds the maximum representable value for the integer type used in the allocation routine. The resulting overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations and creates an exploitable buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a fundamental flaw in arithmetic operations that can lead to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where DRM systems handle sensitive multimedia content and require robust memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9219 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to device resources, potentially enabling them to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The exploitation could allow adversaries to bypass DRM protections, access protected media content, or even compromise the entire device. The vulnerability affects devices that rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which were widely deployed across various Android smartphone and tablet models, amplifying the potential attack surface. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it provides a foundation for further exploitation and persistent access. The nature of the flaw means that any application or service that interacts with the DRM API could potentially be used as an attack vector, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9219 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Google and device manufacturers. The recommended solution involves updating Android systems to versions that include the 2018-04-05 security patch level or later, which contains fixes for the integer overflow condition in the DRM API. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out these updates to affected models, particularly those using Qualcomm Snapdragon SD 400 and SD 800 processors. System administrators and security teams should also implement monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider network-level controls to prevent unauthorized access to DRM services. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running vulnerable Android versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The fix typically involves implementing proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation in the DRM API functions, ensuring that buffer allocation calculations are properly validated before memory operations occur. This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in mobile platforms and the critical need for timely security updates to protect against known exploits in widely deployed mobile operating systems.