CVE-2014-10045 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear IPQ4019, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 820, and SDX20, buffer overflow vulnerability exist in Sahara boot when program header are parsing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability resides within the Sahara boot component of Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable processors, representing a critical buffer overflow condition that affects Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw specifically manifests during the parsing of program headers, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability impacts a wide range of Qualcomm SoCs including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 820, and SDX20 platforms. The technical implementation involves the Sahara bootloader's failure to validate the size and structure of program headers during the boot process, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers with physical access or those capable of delivering malicious firmware. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and potentially CWE-787, out-of-bounds write, as the overflow occurs in memory that is not properly constrained. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution, as this vulnerability can be exploited during the early boot phase when the device is most vulnerable, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security mechanisms, install persistent backdoors, or modify critical boot components. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in the bootloader stage, which typically operates with the highest privileges and can influence the entire system boot process. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as exploitation could lead to system compromise at the firmware level. The vulnerability's exploitation requires either physical device access for firmware modification or sophisticated supply chain attacks where malicious firmware is introduced during manufacturing or update processes. Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the latest security patches from device manufacturers, implementing secure boot mechanisms, and ensuring proper firmware validation procedures. Organizations should also consider device firmware integrity monitoring and maintain awareness of device-specific patch availability for affected Snapdragon platforms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in bootloader components and the critical need for secure firmware development practices throughout the supply chain.