CVE-2015-9224 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear, and Small Cell SoC FSM9055, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 600, 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, SD 850, and SDX20, lack of input Validation in QURTK_write() can cause potential buffer overflow.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9224 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile SoC systems that affects Android devices released prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. This issue specifically targets the QURTK_write() function within the Qualcomm runtime environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit input validation weaknesses in the system's firmware components. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets including automotive platforms like FSM9055 and MDM9206, mobile processors such as MSM8909W, and various wearable and small cell SoC variants. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of input parameters passed to the QURTK_write() function, which operates within the kernel space of the Android operating system. This allows attackers to potentially overflow buffers and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, compromising the integrity of the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers could leverage this weakness through crafted inputs sent to the vulnerable QURTK_write() function, potentially enabling privilege escalation from user mode to kernel mode execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to gain higher-level system access. The operational impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect automotive systems that rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets for infotainment, telematics, and vehicle control functions. Given the automotive context mentioned in the vulnerability description, this flaw could enable attackers to compromise vehicle systems that depend on these Snapdragon SoCs for connectivity and control operations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9224 primarily involve applying the relevant Android security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers, which address the input validation deficiencies in the QURTK_write() function. System administrators should ensure that all affected devices receive timely security updates and that firmware versions are maintained at current levels. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable automotive systems, monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of automotive infotainment systems. Organizations utilizing these Snapdragon chipsets in automotive applications should also consider implementing runtime application protection mechanisms and code integrity checks to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel-level functions and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of automotive-grade embedded systems that operate in safety-critical environments.