CVE-2014-9784 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in drivers/char/diag/diag_debugfs.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) devices allow attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28442449 and Qualcomm internal bug CR585147.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9784 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the diagnostic debugging file system component of Qualcomm's Android implementation. This flaw exists specifically in the drivers/char/diag/diag_debugfs.c file which forms part of the Android kernel's diagnostic subsystem. The vulnerability affects Android versions prior to 2016-07-05 and is particularly impactful on Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices, making it a significant concern for users of these specific hardware platforms during the affected timeframe. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the diagnostic debugging interface, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing diagnostic debugfs operations. These buffer overflows arise from improper handling of user-supplied data within the kernel space diagnostic interface, specifically when the system attempts to write data to memory regions that are insufficiently sized to accommodate the incoming information. The flaw operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is possible, allowing a malicious application to transition from user mode to kernel mode execution. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in memory management that enable arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain root-level access to affected devices, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires only a crafted application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through normal application channels without requiring physical access or specialized attack infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1059, covering 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands with system-level privileges. The compromised devices become vulnerable to further attacks including data theft, surveillance, and lateral movement within network environments where these devices might be connected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android systems through official security updates from Google and device manufacturers. Users should ensure their Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices receive the relevant security patches released in July 2016 or later. System administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure all affected hardware receives timely updates. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel-level input validation and proper memory management practices, with recommended defensive measures including strict bounds checking, use of safe string handling functions, and regular security auditing of kernel components. Additionally, device manufacturers should implement robust code review processes to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other kernel drivers, particularly those handling diagnostic and debugging interfaces that may be exposed to untrusted user applications.