CVE-2015-9026 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability exists in WideVine DRM.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9026 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's implementation of WideVine Digital Rights Management. This issue affects all Android versions that utilize the Linux kernel and are developed by the Code Aurora Forum, indicating a widespread impact across numerous mobile devices and platforms. The vulnerability stems from an improper handling of pointers within the DRM subsystem, specifically within the WideVine implementation that governs digital content protection for multimedia services. The flaw manifests when the system processes untrusted input data through the WideVine DRM component, creating conditions where maliciously crafted data can lead to unexpected pointer dereference operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of memory safety issues, specifically relating to pointer validation and memory access control. When the WideVine DRM component receives input data from potentially untrusted sources, such as media content or network streams, it fails to properly validate the pointer references before attempting to dereference them. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker could manipulate the input data to cause the system to access invalid memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass user-space protections and directly impact the core operating system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, presenting significant security risks to users of affected Android devices. Attackers could exploit this flaw to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially gaining complete control over the device and accessing sensitive user data. The vulnerability's presence in the WideVine DRM component means that any content protected by this system could serve as an attack vector, including streaming media, downloaded applications, or even system updates. This makes the exploitation particularly insidious as it can occur during normal device operation without user intervention, creating a persistent threat vector that affects millions of devices globally.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the execution and privilege escalation categories. The flaw represents a classic example of how insecure pointer handling can lead to arbitrary code execution, a technique frequently exploited in mobile malware campaigns. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments as it affects the fundamental security architecture of Android devices and demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in security-critical components. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party DRM implementations and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all device components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9026 should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and Google, as well as implementing network-level controls to monitor and filter potentially malicious content. System administrators should ensure that all Android devices receive timely security updates and consider implementing device management policies that enforce security baseline requirements. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper pointer validation in kernel-level components, as outlined in various security standards including those referenced by CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) and industry best practices for mobile security. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their mobile device management systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other DRM implementations or security-critical components.