CVE-2014-4322 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/misc/qseecom.c in the QSEECOM driver for the Linux kernel 3.x, as used in Qualcomm Innovation Center (QuIC) Android contributions for MSM devices and other products, does not validate certain offset, length, and base values within an ioctl call, which allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted application.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4322 resides within the QSEECOM driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series, specifically affecting Qualcomm MSM devices and Android implementations developed by Qualcomm Innovation Center. This driver serves as a critical interface for secure communication between the Android operating system and Qualcomm's secure execution environment, which handles sensitive cryptographic operations and secure processing tasks. The flaw manifests in the driver's insufficient validation mechanisms during ioctl system calls, which are essential for device control operations. The vulnerability affects devices where Qualcomm's proprietary security framework is integrated into the Android kernel implementation, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm's MSM (Multi-System Module) chipsets that are prevalent in many Android smartphones and tablets.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the QSEECOM driver processes ioctl commands without properly validating three critical parameters: offset, length, and base values that are passed during device control operations. These parameters are typically used to define memory regions and access boundaries for secure operations within the kernel space. When attackers craft malicious applications that send specially formatted ioctl calls with malformed offset, length, and base values, the driver fails to perform adequate input validation checks. This absence of validation creates a condition where attackers can manipulate memory access patterns and potentially overwrite critical kernel data structures or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer over-read or memory corruption issue under CWE-125 and CWE-787, representing weaknesses in input validation and memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both system stability and security posture. Attackers can exploit this weakness to achieve privilege escalation, potentially gaining root access to the device and full control over the secure execution environment. This capability allows for unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys, secure storage areas, and other protected system components that the QSEECOM driver is designed to safeguard. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged to cause denial of service conditions through memory corruption that may crash the device or render the secure execution environment inoperable. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, meaning successful exploitation bypasses standard Android security boundaries and can compromise the entire device security architecture. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1499 for denial of service attacks within the adversary tactics and techniques framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4322 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators. The primary remediation involves updating the kernel to versions that include proper input validation for the QSEECOM driver's ioctl handling, ensuring that offset, length, and base parameters are thoroughly checked before being processed. Device vendors should implement comprehensive code reviews and security testing for kernel modules, particularly those handling secure communication interfaces. System administrators should monitor for security patches from Qualcomm and Android security teams, as the vulnerability affects devices running vulnerable kernel versions. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel module integrity checks, enabling kernel address space layout randomization, and deploying runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous ioctl behavior. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of input validation in kernel space drivers, particularly those interfacing with secure execution environments. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment to prevent exploitation.