CVE-2014-10046 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 800, SD 808, and SD 810, use after free vulnerability when the PDN throttle info block is freed without clearing the corresponding active timer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipsets affecting Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The issue manifests in the handling of PDN throttle information blocks within the modem subsystem, creating a use-after-free condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts a range of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors including MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 800, SD 808, and SD 810 chipsets. The technical flaw occurs when the PDN throttle info block is freed from memory but the corresponding active timer remains operational, creating a dangling pointer condition that allows for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges within the modem subsystem, potentially leading to complete device compromise. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to affected devices, intercept communications, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability represents a critical threat vector because it operates at the modem level, which is fundamental to cellular connectivity and often runs with high privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The use-after-free condition in the modem's memory management creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the freed memory block and redirect execution flow. Device manufacturers and security researchers have identified this as a serious concern for mobile device security, particularly given the widespread deployment of these Snapdragon chipsets across various Android smartphone and tablet models. The vulnerability's exploitation requires sophisticated knowledge of the modem's memory management and timing mechanisms, making it a target for advanced persistent threats and nation-state actors. Mitigation strategies include applying the latest security patches from device manufacturers, enabling automatic security updates, and implementing network-level monitoring to detect anomalous cellular behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider device firmware updates and ensure that all affected devices receive proper security patches as soon as they become available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure memory management practices in embedded systems and modem subsystems, where improper resource handling can lead to severe security consequences.