CVE-2014-9924 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In 1x in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a Signed to Unsigned Conversion Error could potentially occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9924 represents a critical signed to unsigned conversion error that affects Android devices running kernel versions from the Code Aurora Forum. This flaw manifests in the kernel level processing where signed integer values are improperly converted to unsigned counterparts, creating potential pathways for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from how the kernel handles certain arithmetic operations and memory management routines that involve type conversions between signed and unsigned data types.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the kernel processes input parameters or memory addresses that undergo signed to unsigned conversion without proper validation. This conversion error can lead to unexpected behavior in memory allocation, buffer handling, or arithmetic operations where the sign bit interpretation changes the effective value. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation opportunities exist, allowing malicious actors to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Operationally, this vulnerability impacts all Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum, creating widespread exposure across numerous device models and manufacturers. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specific inputs that trigger the signed to unsigned conversion, potentially leading to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling full system compromise, making it a critical concern for mobile device security.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-194, which addresses the issue of signed to unsigned conversion errors, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including kernel updates from affected vendors, input validation patches, and monitoring for anomalous system behavior. The recommended approach involves applying security patches that address the specific integer conversion logic and implementing runtime checks to prevent improper type conversions. Additionally, device manufacturers should conduct thorough security assessments of their kernel implementations to identify similar conversion errors that could present analogous security risks.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous code review processes for kernel-level programming and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of type conversion scenarios. The flaw underscores the critical nature of maintaining secure coding practices in low-level system components where errors can have cascading security implications. Security teams should prioritize monitoring for exploitation attempts and ensure that all Android devices receive timely security updates to address this fundamental kernel-level vulnerability.