CVE-2014-9792 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
arch/arm/mach-msm/ipc_router.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5 devices uses an incorrect integer data type, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28769399 and Qualcomm internal bug CR550606.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9792 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Qualcomm components of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Nexus 5 devices prior to the 2016-07-05 security update. This issue resides in the ipc_router.c file within the ARM machine-specific kernel components of the Qualcomm MSM (Multi-System Module) architecture, which serves as the foundation for many Android devices. The flaw stems from improper handling of integer data types during inter-process communication operations, creating a pathway for malicious applications to elevate their privileges beyond normal operating system restrictions. The vulnerability was internally tracked as Android bug 28769399 and Qualcomm bug CR550606, indicating its recognition within both the Android and Qualcomm development ecosystems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect usage of integer data types within the kernel-level IPC (Inter-Process Communication) router component. Specifically, the code fails to properly validate or handle integer overflow conditions when processing communication messages between different system components. This improper integer handling creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the system's privilege management mechanisms through carefully crafted applications that exploit the flawed integer operations. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel processes certain IPC messages, where the incorrect data type handling allows for unauthorized privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows any malicious application to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication or authorization. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass Android's security model, potentially gaining root access to the device and full control over system resources. This includes the ability to read or modify any data on the device, install or remove applications, access sensitive user information, and modify system configurations. The vulnerability affects all Nexus 5 devices running Android versions prior to the 2016-07-05 security patch, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of these devices. The attack vector requires only a malicious application to be installed on the device, making it easily exploitable in real-world scenarios where users might inadvertently download compromised applications from untrusted sources.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper integer handling in kernel space code. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder). The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer type management in kernel-level code, as improper handling can create security boundaries that allow unauthorized access to system resources. Mitigation strategies include applying the official Android security patches released on or after 2016-07-05, which correct the integer data type handling in the ipc_router.c file. Additionally, users should maintain updated firmware and avoid installing applications from untrusted sources. System administrators should implement device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for suspicious application behavior. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of thorough code reviews and security testing of kernel components, particularly those handling inter-process communication and privilege management functions.