CVE-2014-9889 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/media/platform/msm/camera_v2/pproc/cpp/msm_cpp.c in the Qualcomm components in Android before 2016-08-05 on Nexus 5 devices does not validate CPP frame messages, which allows attackers to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka Android internal bug 28803645 and Qualcomm internal bug CR674712.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9889 resides within the Qualcomm components of Android operating systems, specifically affecting devices such as the Nexus 5 prior to the security update released on August 5, 2016. This flaw exists in the msm_cpp.c driver file located within the camera_v2/pproc/cpp directory of the Android kernel source tree, representing a critical weakness in the multimedia processing subsystem that handles camera frame processing operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of CPP frame messages, which are essential components in the camera processing pipeline responsible for handling image data and video frames through the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor's multimedia subsystem.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper input validation within the camera processing driver, where malicious applications can craft specially formatted CPP frame messages that bypass normal security checks. This absence of validation creates a privilege escalation vector that allows unprivileged applications to execute code with elevated privileges, effectively compromising the device's security model. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the media framework, specifically targeting the camera post-processing components that manage image data flow between the camera hardware and application layers. Attackers can exploit this weakness by developing a malicious application that sends crafted frame messages to the vulnerable driver, which then processes these messages without proper authorization checks, leading to unauthorized privilege elevation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's camera functionality and potentially broader system access. The flaw affects devices running Android versions prior to the August 2016 security patch, leaving millions of users vulnerable to exploitation through malicious applications that can be downloaded from unofficial sources or even legitimate app stores if the application contains malicious code. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for mobile device security since camera functionality is frequently accessed by applications, and the privilege escalation allows attackers to access sensitive device data, modify system files, or even install persistent malware. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in core multimedia components that are essential for device functionality and are often accessed by multiple applications simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9889 primarily focus on applying the official security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, which include updated kernel drivers with proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators and device users should ensure that all Android devices receive the August 2016 security update that addresses this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious camera-related API usage can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malformed inputs to cause unexpected behavior. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," where attackers leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated system access. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications that may exploit this class of vulnerability.