CVE-2014-3100 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the encode_key function in /system/bin/keystore in the KeyStore service in Android 4.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, and consequently obtain sensitive key information or bypass intended restrictions on cryptographic operations, via a long key name.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3100 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Android KeyStore service implementation. This vulnerability resides in the encode_key function located within the /system/bin/keystore binary, which forms a fundamental component of Android's cryptographic security infrastructure. The KeyStore service operates as a protected system daemon that manages cryptographic keys and ensures their secure storage and retrieval, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the underlying security posture of Android devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the encode_key function where the system fails to properly bounds-check the length of key names provided during the encoding process. When an attacker supplies an excessively long key name, the function attempts to write data beyond the allocated stack buffer space, resulting in a classic stack overflow condition. This memory corruption allows malicious actors to overwrite adjacent stack variables, potentially including return addresses and function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the KeyStore service process. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level with system privileges, making the attack surface particularly dangerous.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3100 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete access to the cryptographic key management system. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to extract sensitive key material stored within the KeyStore, potentially compromising all encrypted data protected by those keys. Additionally, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass cryptographic restrictions and perform unauthorized operations such as key generation, signing, and encryption activities that should be restricted to legitimate applications. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android 4.3 operating system and affects devices running this version, with the potential for widespread exploitation across numerous mobile devices and applications that depend on the KeyStore service for security operations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though more accurately represents a system-level exploitation technique under T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices in system-level services, particularly those handling cryptographic operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the Android security patches released by Google, which address the buffer overflow through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual KeyStore service behavior and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.