CVE-2014-9411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, the use of an out-of-range pointer offset is potentially possible in rollback protection.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9411 represents a critical security flaw within Qualcomm's Android implementations that leverages kernel-level memory management weaknesses. This issue affects all Qualcomm products utilizing Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum that operate on the Linux kernel framework, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The flaw specifically manifests in the rollback protection mechanisms that are fundamental to maintaining secure boot processes and preventing unauthorized firmware modifications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the kernel's rollback protection implementation, where an out-of-range pointer offset can be exploited to access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. This memory corruption vulnerability occurs during the verification process of firmware components, allowing attackers to manipulate pointer arithmetic operations that should remain within controlled memory regions. The flaw essentially permits attackers to bypass critical security checks that are designed to prevent older or untrusted firmware versions from being loaded onto the device, thereby undermining the entire secure boot chain.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for device security and integrity, as it enables potential attackers to circumvent the rollback protection mechanisms that are essential for maintaining device authenticity and preventing malicious firmware injection. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could allow adversaries to install rootkits, modify system binaries, or disable security features entirely. This vulnerability directly affects the integrity of the device's boot process and could potentially enable persistent backdoor access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments and security-sensitive applications.
The security implications of CVE-2014-9411 align with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from device manufacturers, kernel parameter hardening, and monitoring for suspicious boot process activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of rollback protection mechanisms. Device manufacturers should consider implementing additional runtime checks and memory protection mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations.