CVE-2014-9943 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Core Kernel in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9943 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Core Kernel of Android systems that utilize the Linux kernel from the Code Aurora Forum. This flaw exists across all Android releases that incorporate the Linux kernel components provided by Code Aurora Forum, making it a widespread concern affecting numerous mobile devices and embedded systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within kernel space operations, where certain conditions can lead to a pointer being dereferenced without proper null checks. When this occurs, the system attempts to access memory at address zero, resulting in a kernel panic or system crash that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations or potentially escalate privileges. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where unauthorized access to core system functions can lead to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL Pointer Dereference, a well-known weakness that has been documented in numerous security assessments and vulnerability databases. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it can be leveraged to create denial of service conditions that may persist until system reboot, potentially affecting device availability and user experience. The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks and system disruption methods that target core infrastructure components.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-9943 typically involves triggering specific kernel functions that process user input or handle system calls in a manner that causes a null pointer to be dereferenced. This can occur through various attack vectors including malformed system calls, improper device driver interactions, or crafted input to kernel modules that manage core system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the fact that it operates within kernel space where the attacker's code can execute with the highest privileges, potentially allowing for privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. Analysis of the affected Android versions reveals that this issue affects multiple release branches, indicating that the underlying code pattern responsible for the flaw has been present for extended periods. The vulnerability's persistence across various Android versions suggests that the root cause lies in fundamental kernel implementation patterns rather than specific patching decisions, making it particularly challenging to address through simple code modifications. When exploited successfully, the null pointer dereference can result in immediate system crashes or more subtle issues that may manifest as intermittent system failures, making detection and remediation more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9943 primarily focus on applying the appropriate kernel patches provided by the Code Aurora Forum and device manufacturers. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to versions that contain the necessary kernel fixes, as these patches typically implement proper null pointer checks before memory dereferencing operations. The vulnerability requires careful monitoring of system logs for kernel panic messages or unusual crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should implement network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify abnormal patterns of system calls or device interactions that might precede exploitation of this vulnerability. Device manufacturers and security researchers have documented that the patching process should be comprehensive, ensuring that all kernel modules and drivers that might be susceptible to similar null pointer dereference issues are properly addressed. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any custom kernel modifications that might introduce similar patterns, as the vulnerability's root cause relates to fundamental code design patterns that could be replicated in other kernel components. The remediation process must consider that kernel-level vulnerabilities often require device reboot to fully eliminate the risk, as the patched memory structures need to be properly initialized in the operating system's memory space.