CVE-2015-9023 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the PlayReady API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9023 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the PlayReady API implementation across all Android versions utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum. This security weakness specifically affects the media playback subsystem where the PlayReady digital rights management system interacts with the underlying kernel components. The buffer overflow occurs when processing media content that contains specially crafted malicious data structures within the PlayReady protected media path, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel-level components that handle PlayReady DRM operations. When the system processes media files that include malformed PlayReady metadata or content streams, the buffer overflow manifests during memory allocation and data copying operations within the kernel space. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially corrupt the execution flow of the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges and direct access to system resources that are typically protected from user-space applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates multiple attack vectors for malicious actors targeting Android devices that utilize PlayReady DRM. Attackers can exploit this flaw through various means including malicious media files delivered via email attachments, compromised websites, or infected download sources that leverage the PlayReady API for content playback. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The widespread adoption of PlayReady across various Android device manufacturers and the prevalence of media playback applications make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9023 require immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and system administrators to address the kernel-level buffer overflow. The recommended approach involves updating the Linux kernel components to versions that include proper bounds checking and input validation for PlayReady API calls, as well as implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. Additionally, security professionals should consider network-based protections including content filtering and media validation systems that can detect and block potentially malicious PlayReady content before it reaches the vulnerable kernel components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on memory corruption indicators and unauthorized privilege escalation activities.