CVE-2014-10048 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 600, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, and SDX20, while setting the offsets, time-services allows the user to set bases greater than valid base value which will lead to array index out-of-bound.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable chipsets affecting Android devices released before the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the time-services component where improper validation of base values during offset setting operations allows unauthorized modification of array indices beyond their allocated boundaries. This represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and numerous SD series processors spanning from entry-level to high-end mobile platforms. The issue falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Read, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in software development practices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1543 Create or Modify System Process, as it enables potential privilege escalation through system service manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the time-services component processes user-defined base values during offset configuration. When these base values exceed the valid range, the system fails to properly validate the input before using it as an array index, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes, as the processor attempts to access memory locations outside the allocated array boundaries. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at a low system level within the time-services framework, which is critical for system timing operations and potentially accessible through various user-facing applications or system interfaces. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to the specified patch date, making it a persistent threat across multiple generations of mobile devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources or user data. The broad chipset compatibility means that numerous mobile devices across different manufacturers could be affected, creating a significant attack surface. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets system-level services rather than user applications, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where device security is paramount. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader mobile security posture assessment, particularly in environments where mobile device management is critical. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing robust boundary checking mechanisms in system-level components. This flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient validation of user inputs can lead to critical security vulnerabilities in embedded systems and mobile platforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes.