CVE-2014-9802 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in lib/libfdt/fdt.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 28821965 and Qualcomm internal bug CR705108.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9802 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the flattened device tree (FDT) handling component of Android's Qualcomm-based systems. This flaw exists in the lib/libfdt/fdt.c file which is part of the Android operating system's Qualcomm components, specifically affecting Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices released prior to the security patch date of July 5, 2016. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and overflow protection mechanisms when processing device tree data structures, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The issue is categorized under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, focusing on exploit for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Android system processes malformed device tree blobs that contain oversized integer values in their metadata fields. These integer overflows can lead to memory corruption within the kernel's device tree parsing routines, allowing malicious applications to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level within the Qualcomm components, which are responsible for low-level hardware abstraction and system initialization processes. Attackers can craft specially designed applications that load malicious device tree data structures, triggering the integer overflow condition and subsequently gaining root-level access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of affected Android devices. Once exploited, attackers can bypass standard security controls, modify system files, install malicious applications, and potentially access sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to the specified patch date, making it particularly concerning for older Nexus devices that may have limited security update support. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires only a crafted application, meaning users can be compromised through seemingly legitimate software downloads. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, making it a significant threat to device security and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9802 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Google and Qualcomm. Device owners should ensure their Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) devices receive the Android security update from July 5, 2016, which includes fixes for the integer overflow conditions in the device tree parsing code. System administrators and security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious application behavior that might attempt to manipulate device tree structures. Additional defensive measures include enabling application sandboxing, restricting device tree access permissions, and implementing runtime integrity checks for device tree data. Organizations should consider device retirement for older systems that cannot receive the necessary security updates, as the vulnerability remains exploitable on unpatched systems. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-190 integer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the FDT parsing routines, ensuring that integer values are properly constrained before being used in memory allocation operations.