CVE-2015-9030 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the Hypervisor API could be misused to bypass authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9030 represents a critical security flaw in Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel and are based on code from the Code Aurora Forum. This issue specifically targets the Hypervisor Application Programming Interface which serves as a crucial bridge between the operating system and the underlying hardware virtualization layer. The flaw allows for potential unauthorized access to systems that rely on hypervisor-based security mechanisms for authentication and access control. The vulnerability exists across multiple Android versions, indicating it is a fundamental architectural issue rather than a simple software bug that could be patched with a single update.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of hypervisor API calls that should enforce strict authentication mechanisms. When an attacker can manipulate or bypass the hypervisor API, they gain access to privileged system functions that should only be available to authorized components. This misconfiguration allows for privilege escalation attacks where malicious code can execute with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The flaw operates at a low level within the system architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can undermine the fundamental security model that separates user space from kernel space operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which deals with improper access control mechanisms, specifically in virtualization environments where hypervisor security is paramount.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9030 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data stored on affected devices. Systems that rely on hypervisor-based security for authentication can be completely subverted, allowing attackers to bypass security controls that are supposed to protect against malicious software and unauthorized access. This vulnerability affects devices that implement hardware virtualization features, including smartphones and tablets that utilize ARM-based processors with virtualization capabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning because hypervisor-level bypasses can enable persistent threats that survive reboots and traditional security measures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, often using the hypervisor as an attack vector to bypass operating system security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9030 require immediate patching of affected Android systems through official security updates from device manufacturers. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include monitoring for hypervisor-related security issues and ensuring timely deployment of security patches. Device manufacturers must conduct thorough security reviews of their hypervisor implementations and validate that API calls properly enforce authentication requirements. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious hypervisor activity and establish incident response procedures specifically designed for hypervisor-based security breaches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in virtualization environments and the need for regular security audits of system-level components that interface with hardware virtualization features. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and should avoid installing untrusted applications that might exploit such vulnerabilities.