CVE-2014-9927 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In UIM 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-2014-9927 resides within the User Interface Manager component of Android systems developed by Code Aurora Forum, affecting all Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel. This issue represents a critical buffer management flaw that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity and execute unauthorized code. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the manner in which input data is handled during buffer copy operations, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially gain elevated privileges.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-126 Buffer Over-read, which is classified as a weakness in software design where a program attempts to read data from a buffer beyond its allocated boundaries. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate or check the size of input data before performing buffer copy operations, allowing for potential memory corruption. In the context of Android's User Interface Manager, this could enable attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the expected buffer limits, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability's presence in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel indicates a widespread exposure across multiple versions and devices, amplifying its potential impact.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9927 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially allow for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system resources. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate the User Interface Manager to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire device. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the exploitation of legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access. The vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices often contain sensitive personal and corporate data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or extract valuable information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and size checking mechanisms within the buffer copy operations of the User Interface Manager. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize updating affected Android versions to patches that address the buffer size validation issue. The implementation of stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other memory protection mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, the use of static and dynamic analysis tools during development phases can identify similar buffer handling issues before they reach production environments. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be leveraged for remote code execution in certain scenarios. The fix should ensure that all buffer copy operations include proper bounds checking and validation of input data sizes, preventing the overflow conditions that enable exploitation.