CVE-2014-9887 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/misc/qseecom.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-08-05 on Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) devices does not validate certain length values, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28804057 and Qualcomm internal bug CR636633.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9887 resides within the Qualcomm Secure Execution Environment (QSEECOM) driver component that operates within the Android operating system kernel space. This flaw affects specific Nexus devices including the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) models, with the vulnerability remaining unpatched until the Android security update cycle of August 2016. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the qseecom.c driver file, which is responsible for managing secure communication channels between the application processor and the secure world execution environment on Qualcomm chipsets. This particular vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that allows malicious applications to bypass security boundaries and execute code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper validation of length parameters within the driver's communication interface. Attackers can craft specially designed applications that manipulate length values passed to the QSEECOM driver, exploiting a lack of proper bounds checking and parameter validation. The flaw specifically targets the handling of data structures that define the size of memory allocations or buffer operations within the secure execution environment. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to insufficient validation of length values in buffer operations. The improper validation allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical kernel data structures, leading to unauthorized privilege escalation and full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain access to the secure execution environment that typically operates with the highest privilege levels and contains sensitive cryptographic keys, secure storage mechanisms, and confidential system information. The exploitation of this flaw allows malicious actors to bypass Android's security model, potentially accessing secure storage areas, manipulating cryptographic operations, and executing arbitrary code within the secure world. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of the Android security architecture by undermining the isolation between the normal world and the secure world execution environments. The attack vector requires only a malicious application installation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard app distribution channels without requiring physical access or additional attack prerequisites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9887 involve implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms within the QSEECOM driver code, specifically ensuring that all length parameters are strictly validated against expected ranges and maximum allowable values. The recommended approach includes applying the security patches released by Google and Qualcomm in their respective August 2016 security updates, which address the improper length validation in the qseecom.c driver file. Organizations should also implement application sandboxing measures, monitor for suspicious application behavior, and ensure that all devices receive timely security updates. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to systems, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through legitimate system interfaces. The fix typically involves adding robust bounds checking and implementing proper parameter validation within the kernel driver to prevent buffer overflows and memory corruption scenarios that could lead to privilege escalation.