CVE-2014-9942 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Boot in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a Use of Uninitialized Variable vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9942 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's boot process, specifically affecting devices that utilize the Linux kernel and are based on code from the Code Aurora Forum. This issue stems from a fundamental problem in how the system handles variable initialization during the early boot stages, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests in the kernel-level boot process where uninitialized variables are being used without proper initialization, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical flaw occurs when the boot process initializes certain kernel variables that are expected to contain specific values but instead retain whatever data was previously stored in those memory locations. This uninitialized variable usage creates a scenario where the system's behavior becomes dependent on arbitrary data that may be present in memory at the time of execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the most critical phase of system boot, where the kernel is establishing its foundational state and security policies. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development, making it a well-documented and serious class of security flaws that can lead to various exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it could potentially allow attackers to manipulate the boot process and gain unauthorized access to the device. During the boot sequence, when the kernel initializes various subsystems and sets up security parameters, the use of uninitialized variables could be leveraged to bypass security checks or manipulate kernel behavior in ways that were not intended by the system designers. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code during the boot process, effectively compromising the device before it reaches a secure state. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the foundational layers of the Android operating system, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with deep system access that might be difficult to detect or remediate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9942 primarily involve updating the affected Android devices to versions that properly initialize all variables before use, which typically requires applying security patches from the device manufacturers or the Code Aurora Forum. The Linux kernel developers have since addressed this issue through proper variable initialization practices, ensuring that all variables are explicitly set to known values before being used in critical system operations. Organizations and individuals should prioritize applying these patches immediately, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction during the device boot process. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper monitoring to detect any unusual boot behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all devices in their environment are running patched firmware versions to prevent potential attackers from leveraging this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper code review and testing during kernel development, particularly focusing on initialization sequences that occur during system boot processes where security implications are most severe.