CVE-2013-4740 in Quic Mobile Station Modem Kernel
Summary
by MITRE
goodix_tool.c in the Goodix gt915 touchscreen driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, relies on user-space length values for kernel-memory copies of procfs file content, which allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via an application that provides crafted values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-4740 resides within the Goodix gt915 touchscreen driver implementation in Linux kernel version 3.x, specifically affecting devices utilizing Qualcomm Innovation Center contributions for MSM platforms. This issue manifests in the goodix_tool.c component where the driver fails to properly validate user-supplied length parameters when copying data between user space and kernel space through procfs interfaces. The flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation and unsafe memory handling that directly compromises kernel security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious values for length parameters in procfs file operations, enabling them to manipulate kernel memory through unsafe copy operations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes in heap-based buffers. The kernel driver's reliance on unchecked user-space length values creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks, as malicious applications can manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The attack vector leverages the procfs interface mechanism, which is commonly used for device driver communication and debugging purposes.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices running on Qualcomm MSM platforms, as it allows unprivileged applications to potentially escalate their privileges or cause system instability through memory corruption. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to include potential complete system compromise, as attackers could gain kernel-level access and execute malicious code with highest privileges. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize Goodix touchscreen controllers and Qualcomm's Android contributions. This makes it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications have broad access to system resources and user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4740 should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within kernel drivers before performing memory copy operations. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all kernel drivers validate user-supplied parameters, particularly length values used in memory operations, to prevent buffer overflows and memory corruption. The recommended approach includes implementing strict bounds checking in procfs file operations and enforcing proper kernel memory management practices. Additionally, patching the affected kernel versions with proper validation mechanisms addresses the root cause and prevents exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, as outlined in the attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for kernel-level privilege escalation techniques.