CVE-2014-0972 in Android-msm
Summary
by MITRE
The kgsl graphics driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, does not properly prevent write access to IOMMU context registers, which allows local users to select a custom page table, and consequently write to arbitrary memory locations, by using a crafted GPU command stream to modify the contents of a certain register.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The kgsl graphics driver vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0972 represents a critical security flaw in the Linux kernel version 3.x graphics subsystem specifically affecting Qualcomm MSM devices. This vulnerability exists within the kernel graphics stack that manages GPU operations through the Qualcomm GPU Subsystem driver, which is integral to mobile device graphics processing and is widely deployed across Android devices manufactured by Qualcomm. The flaw stems from improper access controls within the IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) context register management, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary memory manipulation that fundamentally undermines system security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of IOMMU context registers via crafted GPU command streams that can be generated by malicious applications running with standard user privileges. The flaw allows local attackers to modify specific register contents that control page table selection, effectively bypassing memory protection mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized memory access. This occurs because the driver fails to properly validate or restrict write operations to these critical registers, enabling attackers to redirect memory mappings to arbitrary locations. The vulnerability specifically targets the IOMMU functionality that translates GPU memory accesses from virtual addresses to physical addresses, creating a direct pathway to execute arbitrary code in kernel memory space.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation from user-level processes to kernel-level privileges, allowing full system compromise without requiring physical access or specialized hardware. The impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides attackers with the ability to modify critical system memory locations, potentially enabling rootkit installation, data exfiltration, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions that incorporate the affected Qualcomm MSM kernel drivers, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Qualcomm processors in mobile devices. This flaw creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple device generations and manufacturers that utilize Qualcomm's MSM platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0972 require immediate patching of affected kernel versions through official security updates from device manufacturers and kernel maintainers. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that include proper IOMMU register access controls and validate that GPU command stream validation mechanisms are properly implemented. Organizations should implement runtime monitoring for suspicious GPU command sequences that attempt to modify IOMMU registers, though this represents a reactive approach rather than a fundamental fix. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) within the adversary tactics framework, highlighting the need for comprehensive kernel security hardening measures and proper access control implementation in graphics drivers.