CVE-2014-1979 in Spmode Mail Android
Summary
by MITRE
The NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application 5900 through 6300 for Android 4.0.x and 6000 through 6620 for Android 4.1 through 4.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java methods via Deco-mail emoticon POP data in an e-mail message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1979 represents a critical security flaw in the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application, which was widely deployed across android devices in the early 2010s. This vulnerability affects specific version ranges including 5900 through 6300 for Android 4.0.x and 6000 through 6620 for Android 4.1 through 4.4, creating a substantial attack surface across multiple android versions. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the email parsing functionality, particularly when handling Deco-mail emoticon POP data embedded within email messages. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to the execution of arbitrary code through improper handling of user-supplied data. This weakness allows remote attackers to leverage specially crafted email content to execute unauthorized Java methods on affected devices, effectively bypassing normal application security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of email message content, specifically targeting the Deco-mail emoticon POP data format. When the vulnerable email client processes an email containing maliciously crafted emoticon data, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before executing associated Java methods. This creates a path for remote code execution where attackers can inject and execute arbitrary Java bytecode on the target device. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond receiving the malicious email, making it a passive attack that can be executed at scale. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw where user-controlled data flows directly into executable code paths, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and sandboxing. The impact is amplified by the fact that these versions of the sp mode mail application were pre-installed on numerous android devices, making the attack surface extremely broad.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1979 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete device compromise and potential data exfiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive user data, install additional malware, modify device settings, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability's prevalence across multiple android versions and device manufacturers means that organizations and individuals using these affected applications face significant risk without proper mitigation measures. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and Persistence, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain initial access and maintain control. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for enterprise security teams as it affects mobile device management strategies and highlights the risks associated with pre-installed third-party applications that may not receive timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1979 should focus on immediate application updates and network-level defenses to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of the NTT DOCOMO sp mode mail application, which would address the input validation issues that enable the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement email filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious email content containing Deco-mail emoticon POP data, particularly targeting the specific payload patterns associated with this vulnerability. Device management policies should include disabling or removing the vulnerable application where possible, especially in enterprise environments where mobile device security is paramount. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual email processing activities or unauthorized code execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of mobile application security testing and regular vulnerability assessments of pre-installed applications, as these types of flaws often remain undetected until exploited in the wild. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening emails from unknown sources and the importance of keeping mobile applications updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.