CVE-2014-9410 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The vfe31_proc_general function in drivers/media/video/msm/vfe/msm_vfe31.c in the MSM-VFE31 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 a certain id value, which allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via an application that makes a crafted ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9410 resides within the MSM-VFE31 driver component of the Linux kernel version 3.x series, specifically affecting Qualcomm Innovation Center QuIC Android contributions and various MSM device implementations. This flaw manifests in the vfe31_proc_general function located in the drivers/media/video/msm/vfe/msm_vfe31.c source file, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the kernel's device driver subsystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's processing function, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise system security.
The technical flaw involves the vfe31_proc_general function's failure to properly validate a specific id value parameter during ioctl system call processing. This validation gap allows attackers to submit crafted ioctl requests containing malformed or unexpected id values that bypass normal input sanitization checks. When the driver processes these malformed inputs without proper validation, it can lead to unpredictable memory access patterns and potential memory corruption issues. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the media subsystem, specifically targeting the Video Front End 3.1 driver that manages camera and video processing hardware on Qualcomm MSM devices. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential system instability and denial of service conditions. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially elevate their privileges from user-level applications to kernel-level execution, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and capabilities. The memory corruption aspect of the vulnerability can cause system crashes, kernel panics, or more insidiously, allow for memory overwrite attacks that could lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability particularly affects Android devices running Qualcomm MSM processors, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that utilize the affected kernel versions, making it a significant concern for mobile security and device integrity.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious ioctl calls that manipulate the driver's internal state through the unvalidated id parameter. This approach can be categorized under technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks, as they allow adversaries to gain elevated system privileges necessary for deeper system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its location within the camera and video processing subsystem, which is frequently accessed by user applications, providing multiple potential attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9410 primarily focus on implementing proper input validation within the affected driver code. The most effective approach involves adding comprehensive parameter validation checks to ensure that all id values passed to the vfe31_proc_general function fall within expected ranges and meet predetermined criteria. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying kernel updates and patches that address this specific validation gap. Additionally, implementing kernel-level protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation practices in kernel drivers, emphasizing that all external inputs should be rigorously validated before processing, as outlined in security best practices for kernel development and the principles of secure coding standards.