CVE-2014-9795 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
app/aboot/aboot.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5 devices does not properly check for an integer overflow, which allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via crafted start and size values, aka Android internal bug 28820720 and Qualcomm internal bug CR681957, a related issue to CVE-2014-4325.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9795 resides within the Qualcomm bootloader component known as aboot.c, which is part of the Android operating system's boot process on Nexus 5 devices. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that affects Android versions prior to the 2016-07-05 security patch release. The vulnerability specifically impacts the boot loader's memory management routines where it fails to properly validate integer values during memory allocation operations. The issue manifests when the bootloader processes crafted start and size parameters that are designed to trigger an integer overflow condition, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory boundaries and bypass intended access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the aboot.c source code where integer overflow checks are either missing or insufficiently implemented. When legitimate memory operations are performed with specially crafted parameters, the integer arithmetic results in values that exceed the maximum representable range for the data type being used. This overflow condition creates a scenario where the intended memory access restrictions are circumvented, enabling attackers to access memory regions that should normally be protected or restricted. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic produces results that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type. This particular flaw operates at the system level during the boot process, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system memory and execute arbitrary code before the operating system fully initializes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the device's boot process and memory protection mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass secure boot policies and access protected system components that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to the July 2016 security update, with Nexus 5 being specifically mentioned as a target device. This issue represents a related problem to CVE-2014-4325, indicating that similar integer overflow conditions exist across Qualcomm's bootloader implementations, suggesting a broader systemic weakness in the vendor's security practices. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction as the exploit can be triggered during the device boot process, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where devices are left unattended or in environments where physical access is possible. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of the device by allowing attackers to manipulate memory boundaries and potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9795 primarily involve applying the relevant security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, specifically targeting the July 2016 Android security update that addressed this specific integer overflow condition. Device administrators should ensure all Nexus 5 devices are updated to the latest Android version that includes the patched bootloader component. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual boot process behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that proper integer overflow checks should be implemented in all memory management routines, particularly those involved in bootloader operations. Security professionals should consider implementing device integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to bootloader components. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their mobile device management policies to ensure that vulnerable devices are identified and patched promptly. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables attackers to gain elevated system privileges through bootloader manipulation. Given the critical nature of this vulnerability affecting the boot process, it should be prioritized for immediate remediation in any organization's vulnerability management program, particularly in environments where mobile devices are used for sensitive operations or contain confidential data.