CVE-2014-10056 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, A buffer overflow can potentially occur in any OpenCL application that calls clBuildProgram() with a device of type CL_DEVICE_TYPE_CPU in its device_list argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
This vulnerability resides within the Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile chipset family affecting Android devices prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw manifests in the OpenCL implementation where a buffer overflow occurs during the clBuildProgram() function execution when a CPU device type is included in the device list parameter. This represents a critical security weakness that could enable arbitrary code execution within the context of OpenCL applications. The vulnerability specifically impacts Snapdragon SD 210, SD 212, and SD 205 chipsets, which were widely deployed in mobile devices during their respective release cycles. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the OpenCL runtime environment, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of device lists in OpenCL program compilation processes. When applications invoke clBuildProgram() with a device list containing CL_DEVICE_TYPE_CPU, the underlying Qualcomm OpenCL implementation fails to properly validate the buffer boundaries before copying or processing device information. This buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset's OpenCL subsystem, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through standard Android security measures. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in memory operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes or data corruption, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for system-level exploitation. Mobile device users running affected Android versions are at risk of having their devices compromised through malicious OpenCL applications or exploits targeting this specific buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent malware installation, data exfiltration, or complete device takeover, particularly when combined with other exploit techniques. Security researchers have noted that this flaw demonstrates the challenges inherent in mobile security patch management, as many devices never receive updates to address such low-level hardware-software interface vulnerabilities. The attack surface is broad given that OpenCL applications are commonly used for graphics processing, machine learning, and computational tasks on mobile platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patching with operational security measures. Device manufacturers and carriers must prioritize the deployment of the 2018-04-05 security patch level to address the root cause within Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset implementations. Users should avoid installing untrusted OpenCL applications and ensure their devices receive all available security updates. Network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability in mobile device environments. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through software exploitation, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software components. Organizations should implement mobile device management policies that enforce security patch compliance and restrict potentially malicious application installations. Additionally, security monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual OpenCL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.