CVE-2015-9027 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability exists in WideVine DRM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9027 represents a critical untrusted pointer dereference flaw within the WideVine Digital Rights Management implementation on Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum. This issue affects all Android versions that incorporate the Linux kernel components provided by Code Aurora Forum, creating a widespread impact across numerous mobile devices and platforms. The vulnerability resides in the DRM subsystem where improper validation of input parameters occurs during the processing of WideVine protected content, allowing malicious actors to potentially exploit this weakness through crafted inputs that manipulate pointer values.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Linux kernel's handling of WideVine DRM operations where the kernel module fails to properly validate user-supplied pointers before dereferencing them. When WideVine DRM processes media content, it receives various input parameters from untrusted sources including applications and media frameworks. The flaw occurs when these parameters contain manipulated pointer values that bypass validation checks, leading to an uncontrolled memory access attempt that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of vulnerability is classified as a CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference in the context of kernel space operations, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9027 extends beyond simple system crashes or denial of service conditions, as it creates a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks within the kernel space. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level access, effectively compromising the entire device security model. The implications are particularly severe given that WideVine DRM is commonly used for protecting premium content including streaming media, digital purchases, and enterprise applications. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security boundaries established by the Android security architecture, potentially allowing attackers to bypass secure enclaves and access protected content or system resources that should remain isolated from regular application access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates from device manufacturers and carriers. Organizations should prioritize deployment of kernel-level patches that implement proper pointer validation mechanisms and input sanitization for WideVine DRM operations. Additionally, security configurations should include enhanced monitoring of DRM-related system calls and memory access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must consider that this vulnerability affects the Linux kernel level rather than application-level code, making it essential that device vendors provide comprehensive kernel updates that address the root cause. Security teams should also implement network-based detection mechanisms that monitor for abnormal DRM processing patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle kernel-level privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure kernel development practices and proper input validation across all system components that interact with trusted security frameworks.