CVE-2014-10039 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9625, SD 400, and SD 800, calling qsee_app_entry_return() without first calling qsee_app_entry() will cause the stack to be restored to an older state resulting in a return to an unexpected location.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets including the MDM9625, SD 400, and SD 800 series processors found in Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) implementation within the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment (QSEE) subsystem, specifically affecting the function call sequence management between qsee_app_entry() and qsee_app_entry_return(). The vulnerability represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario that can be exploited through improper function call ordering, creating a path for arbitrary code execution within the secure environment.
The technical root cause stems from insufficient validation of function call sequences within the QSEE framework, where the qsee_app_entry_return() function does not properly verify that it is being called after a corresponding qsee_app_entry() function execution. This design flaw creates a potential return-oriented programming (ROP) attack vector, where an attacker can manipulate the execution flow by restoring the stack to an older state, effectively bypassing normal execution control flow mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, an unspecified flaw in the program's control flow, and specifically manifests as an improper control flow management issue within the secure execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it affects the fundamental security architecture of Android devices by potentially allowing unauthorized code execution within the TEE. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive data that should remain protected within the secure execution environment. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that utilize the affected Qualcomm chipsets, making it particularly dangerous in mobile threat landscapes. This issue directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1547.001 for registry run keys, as it enables persistence and privilege escalation within the secure execution context.
Mitigation strategies should include applying the latest security patches from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm released updates addressing this specific vulnerability in their quarterly security bulletins. Organizations should also implement proper device management policies to ensure timely patch deployment and conduct regular security assessments of mobile device configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper function call sequence validation in secure execution environments and highlights the need for robust control flow integrity mechanisms in mobile processor architectures. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing additional runtime protections and monitoring for anomalous function call patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.