CVE-2014-9928 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In GERAN 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-2014-9928 resides within the Generic Radio Access Network implementation of Android devices that utilize Qualcomm chipsets and operate on Linux kernel infrastructure. This flaw manifests in the handling of buffer operations during radio access network communications, specifically affecting all Android versions released through the Qualcomm Android Framework. The issue represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited to compromise device integrity and potentially enable unauthorized access to sensitive communication channels.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during buffer copying operations within the GERAN subsystem. When processing incoming radio network data, the system fails to properly verify the size of input data before attempting to copy it into predetermined buffer structures. This omission creates a potential buffer overflow condition that could be manipulated by malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as a primary attack vector in mobile device security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates opportunities for adversaries to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive communication data, or disrupt normal device operations. The widespread adoption of Qualcomm chipsets across Android device manufacturers means that this vulnerability affects a substantial portion of the mobile ecosystem, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. The Linux kernel foundation of these devices adds complexity to exploitation attempts, as attackers must navigate both the Android framework and underlying kernel operations to achieve successful compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation mechanisms that verify buffer sizes before copying operations occur, aligning with recommended practices from the ATT&CK framework for mobile device security. Device vendors should prioritize firmware updates that address the buffer size checking implementation within the GERAN subsystem, while also considering the deployment of additional runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could enable persistent backdoor access to affected devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and enhanced endpoint protection measures to reduce the attack surface and limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs.