CVE-2014-0900 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The Device Administrator code in Android before 4.4.1_r1 might allow attackers to spoof device administrators and consequently bypass MDM restrictions by leveraging failure to update the mAdminMap data structure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0900 represents a critical security flaw in the Android operating system's Device Administrator functionality that persisted across versions prior to 4.4.1_r1. This issue stems from a fundamental failure in the system's administrative privilege management mechanism, specifically within how the mAdminMap data structure is maintained and updated. The Device Administrator framework in Android serves as a core component for mobile device management, enabling enterprise solutions to enforce security policies, manage applications, and restrict device functionality through centralized administrative controls. When properly configured, these administrators can enforce restrictions such as password policies, encryption requirements, and application installation controls that form the backbone of enterprise mobile security strategies.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of the mAdminMap data structure, which maintains the mapping between device administrators and their associated permissions. This data structure is responsible for tracking which applications have been granted administrative privileges and what level of control they possess over the device. The vulnerability occurs when the system fails to properly update this mapping when administrative privileges are revoked or when spoofing attempts occur. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious applications that manipulate the administrative registration process, effectively creating false administrative entries that bypass the legitimate verification mechanisms. This allows unauthorized applications to assume administrative privileges without proper authorization, thereby gaining unrestricted access to device management functions that should be restricted to legitimate MDM solutions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, fundamentally compromising enterprise mobile security frameworks and device management policies. When attackers successfully spoof device administrators, they can bypass critical MDM restrictions that organizations rely upon to protect sensitive corporate data and maintain regulatory compliance. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to disable security features such as remote wipe capabilities, password requirements, and encryption enforcement that are essential for enterprise security. The implications are particularly severe for organizations using Android devices for business purposes, as it allows attackers to undermine the entire mobile device management infrastructure and potentially gain access to corporate networks, sensitive applications, and confidential data stored on affected devices. The vulnerability affects the core integrity of device management systems and can lead to widespread security breaches when exploited at scale.
Organizations and security professionals should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including prompt deployment of Android security updates to versions 4.4.1_r1 and later where the flaw has been patched. The remediation process should involve comprehensive device inventory assessments to identify potentially compromised systems and implementation of additional security controls such as application whitelisting and enhanced monitoring of administrative privilege changes. Security teams must also review their existing MDM configurations to ensure proper enforcement of administrative controls and consider implementing additional verification mechanisms beyond the default Android administrative framework. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how flaws in core system components can undermine enterprise security strategies. The issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a significant concern for organizations operating under ATT&CK framework category T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based monitoring to detect suspicious administrative privilege changes and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to address device administrator spoofing attacks.