CVE-2015-9185
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to corrupt secure memory on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets by exploiting insufficient buffer length validation in Secure DEMUX functions. When parameter validation fails, error codes are written without checking if the response buffer has enough space, potentially causing memory corruption. Affected devices include Android smartphones, wearables, and automotive systems with specific Qualcomm chipsets before April 2018 security patches.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile
- Snapdragon Mobile
- Snapdragon Wear MDM9206
- MDM9650
- SD 210/SD 212/SD 205
- 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
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing execution of arbitrary code in secure memory space, potentially bypassing security boundaries and gaining root privileges.
Likely Case
Device instability, crashes, or privilege escalation attacks leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper memory isolation and security controls, potentially causing only denial of service or application crashes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires specific conditions including memory layout and access to vulnerable functions. No public exploit code is documented in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level 2018-04-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2018-04-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. 2. If before April 2018, apply the latest available system update from device manufacturer. 3. For enterprise devices, deploy updates through MDM solutions. 4. Reboot device after update installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Memory Protection Configuration
allConfigure memory protection settings to isolate secure memory regions if supported by device firmware.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and limit exposure to potential attack vectors.
- Implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could trigger the vulnerability.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in device settings. If date is before April 2018 and device uses affected Qualcomm chipset, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows April 2018 or later date after applying updates.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Secure memory access violation errors
- DEMUX function failure messages
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from device after memory corruption events
SIEM Query:
source="android_device" AND ("kernel panic" OR "memory corruption" OR "secure demux")