CVE-2014-9925 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In HDR in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9925 represents a critical buffer management flaw within the HDR (High Dynamic Range) implementation across Android devices utilizing Qualcomm Android Framework (CAF) and the Linux kernel. This issue stems from insufficient validation of input data sizes during buffer copying operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects Android releases that incorporate Qualcomm's Android framework components, making it widespread across numerous mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's hardware and software stack.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer copy operation that fails to validate the size of incoming input data before performing memory copying. This omission creates a scenario where an attacker can provide oversized input data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a buffer copy without checking size of input, which directly maps to the fundamental principle that input validation must occur before any memory operations. When the Linux kernel processes HDR data through Qualcomm's framework, the absence of proper size checking during buffer operations allows for arbitrary memory overwrite conditions that could be exploited for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel space or cause system instability through controlled memory corruption. Mobile devices utilizing Qualcomm's hardware components become susceptible to attacks that could compromise user data, system integrity, and overall device security. The vulnerability's presence in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel means that a significant portion of the Android ecosystem remains at risk, particularly affecting devices that rely heavily on HDR processing for camera and display functions. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially gain elevated privileges, access sensitive user information, or cause permanent system damage through carefully crafted input data that triggers the buffer overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9925 require immediate implementation of input size validation mechanisms within the HDR processing components of Qualcomm's Android framework. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize updating firmware and kernel components to include proper bounds checking before any buffer copying operations. The implementation should follow established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines and the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which emphasize the importance of validating all input data sizes. Additionally, deploying runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and code integrity checks can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response protocols specifically addressing buffer overflow vulnerabilities in mobile device operating systems. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption underscores the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate exploit and broader system security posture.