CVE-2014-0997 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
WiFiMonitor in Android 4.4.4 as used in the Nexus 5 and 4, Android 4.2.2 as used in the LG D806, Android 4.2.2 as used in the Samsung SM-T310, Android 4.1.2 as used in the Motorola RAZR HD, and potentially other unspecified Android releases before 5.0.1 and 5.0.2 does not properly handle exceptions, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (reboot) via a crafted 802.11 probe response frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0997 resides within the WiFiMonitor component of various Android versions, specifically affecting releases through 4.4.4 and certain earlier versions up to 5.0.1 and 5.0.2. This flaw manifests in the improper handling of exceptions during wireless network monitoring operations, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely. The affected devices include popular models such as the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, LG D806, Samsung SM-T310, and Motorola RAZR HD, all of which utilize the vulnerable Android framework components. The issue stems from insufficient exception management within the WiFi monitoring subsystem that processes 802.11 wireless frames, particularly probe response frames that are routinely transmitted during wireless network discovery processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the WiFiMonitor component's failure to properly validate and handle malformed or crafted 802.11 probe response frames. When the system receives such frames, the exception handling mechanisms do not adequately protect against malformed data structures or unexpected frame parameters that could trigger a cascade of errors within the wireless networking stack. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-704 category of Incorrect Type Conversion or Cast, as the system fails to properly validate the data types and structures of incoming wireless frames before processing them. The vulnerability represents a classic example of improper exception handling that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted 802.11 probe response frames that, when processed by the vulnerable Android devices, trigger the exception handling failure and subsequently cause the device to reboot automatically.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged to create persistent disruption of wireless connectivity for targeted devices. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network proximity, as the malicious probe response frames can be transmitted from any location within wireless range. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack vector involves wireless frame manipulation rather than traditional email-based phishing. The automatic reboot behavior creates a reliable method for attackers to disrupt device functionality, potentially affecting business operations, personal communications, and emergency services that rely on mobile device connectivity. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where multiple devices may be simultaneously targeted, leading to widespread service disruption. The exploitation process is relatively straightforward, requiring only the ability to transmit 802.11 frames, making it accessible to threat actors with basic wireless networking knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0997 should prioritize immediate firmware and operating system updates to patched versions that address the exception handling deficiencies in the WiFiMonitor component. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect and analyze unusual probe response frame patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be used as part of broader wireless-based attack campaigns. Device administrators should consider implementing network access controls that limit wireless frame transmission capabilities where possible, and deploy wireless intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious wireless traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and exception handling in mobile operating system components, particularly those dealing with network protocols and wireless communication. Security teams should also consider implementing device hardening procedures that disable unnecessary wireless features when not actively required, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additionally, regular security assessments of wireless network infrastructure and mobile device configurations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other system components.