CVE-2015-9007 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In TrustZone in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a Double Free vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9007 represents a critical double free condition within the TrustZone implementation across all Android releases supported by Code Aurora Forum utilizing the Linux kernel. This flaw exists at the intersection of hardware security modules and operating system kernel components, creating a potential pathway for sophisticated exploitation. TrustZone technology provides a secure execution environment that isolates sensitive operations from the main operating system, making any vulnerability within this domain particularly concerning for mobile security architectures. The double free vulnerability occurs when the same memory block is freed twice, potentially leading to memory corruption that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the kernel-level components that interface with TrustZone hardware security features. When a memory allocation occurs and subsequent deallocation happens incorrectly, the memory management subsystem may attempt to free the same memory region twice, resulting in undefined behavior. This condition can be exploited to manipulate heap structures, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the secure environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, where it can directly impact the integrity of the secure execution environment that TrustZone is designed to protect.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9007 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the memory management protocols that govern secure kernel operations. Mobile devices utilizing affected Android versions could become vulnerable to attacks that compromise the integrity of sensitive operations, potentially allowing adversaries to bypass security boundaries established by TrustZone. This vulnerability directly affects the security model of Android devices, particularly those implementing hardware-based security features that rely on proper kernel memory management. The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to secure elements, potentially compromising cryptographic keys, secure storage, or other sensitive data that TrustZone is specifically designed to protect.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9007 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions and implementation of proper memory management validation. Organizations should prioritize updating to kernel versions that address the double free condition within TrustZone interfaces, while also implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-415, which addresses double free conditions in memory management, and could potentially map to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion categories. Device manufacturers should conduct thorough security assessments of their kernel implementations and ensure proper input validation and memory management practices are in place. Additionally, implementing kernel address space layout randomization and other exploit mitigation techniques can help reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts while awaiting complete patch deployment.