CVE-2014-9800 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in lib/heap/heap.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-07-05 on Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) devices allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28822150 and Qualcomm internal bug CR692478.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9800 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the heap management component of Android's Qualcomm-based systems. This issue affects devices including the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) models, specifically targeting the heap.c implementation in Qualcomm's Android components. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer arithmetic operations that can lead to unexpected behavior when processing large values, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw was documented as Android internal bug 28822150 and Qualcomm internal bug CR692478, indicating its recognition within the respective vendor development cycles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the heap memory management system where integer overflow conditions can be triggered during heap allocation operations. When a crafted application attempts to allocate memory with values that exceed the maximum representable integer, the system's arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the overflow, potentially resulting in memory corruption or manipulation of heap metadata. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper integer handling can compromise system security. The heap management component is particularly susceptible because it directly controls memory allocation and deallocation processes that are fundamental to system operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9800 is severe as it allows attackers to execute privilege escalation attacks from unprivileged application contexts to system-level privileges. This capability enables malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries and gain access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets the Qualcomm components integrated into Android's security model, making it particularly dangerous for devices running affected versions of the operating system. Attackers can exploit this flaw through carefully crafted applications that trigger the integer overflow condition during heap operations, effectively allowing them to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is primarily through malicious applications that can be installed on affected devices. Once installed, such applications can leverage the integer overflow to manipulate heap memory structures and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This attack pattern aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting memory corruption vulnerabilities to achieve higher system privileges. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions and device models, particularly the Nexus 5 and 2013 Nexus 7 devices, makes it a widespread concern for organizations and users who rely on these platforms. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious heap allocation patterns as part of their defensive strategies against this type of vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9800 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions and system updates to address the integer overflow conditions in heap management. System administrators should ensure that all affected devices receive the appropriate security updates from Google and Qualcomm, particularly those released after July 5, 2016. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring for unusual heap allocation patterns and memory operations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer overflow handling in system-level components and underscores the need for comprehensive code review processes that specifically examine memory management functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious application behavior patterns associated with heap manipulation attacks.