CVE-2014-10051 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, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, and SDX20, after loading a dynamically loaded code section, I-Cache is not invalidated, which could lead to executing code from stale cache lines.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable chipsets affecting Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw resides in the instruction cache management during dynamic code loading processes, specifically within the hardware-level memory subsystem. When dynamically loaded code sections are executed, the instruction cache fails to invalidate stale cache lines, creating a persistent security risk that allows for code execution from outdated cache entries. This represents a fundamental cache coherency issue that bypasses normal memory protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper cache management in the processor's instruction cache controller. During dynamic code loading operations, the system loads new code sections into memory but fails to properly invalidate the corresponding instruction cache lines. This creates a scenario where stale instruction data remains cached while new code has been loaded, allowing for potential code injection or execution of malicious payloads from the cached instruction set. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the hardware level, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional software-based security measures. This issue aligns with CWE-1160 which addresses improper handling of cache coherency in processor implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides a potential pathway for privilege escalation and persistent malware deployment. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire device. The vulnerability affects multiple Qualcomm chipsets including MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 410/12, and SDX20 platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across various mobile device configurations. This vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass security controls and maintain persistent access to affected devices, making it particularly dangerous for mobile device security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both hardware-level fixes and software-based approaches to address the instruction cache coherency issue. Qualcomm has addressed this through firmware updates and security patches that ensure proper cache invalidation during dynamic code loading operations. Device manufacturers should implement immediate security updates and ensure all affected devices receive the necessary patches. System administrators should monitor for patch compliance across all mobile devices and consider implementing additional security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of cache coherency management in embedded security architectures and highlights the need for comprehensive hardware security testing. This issue relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users trust system applications.