CVE-2014-9945 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In TrustZone in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an Improper Authorization vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9945 resides within the TrustZone security architecture of Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum. This represents a critical weakness in the system's authorization mechanisms that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive security functions. TrustZone serves as a hardware-based security solution that provides a trusted execution environment separate from the main operating system, making any authorization flaws particularly concerning for mobile device security. The vulnerability affects all Android releases utilizing the Linux kernel from Code Aurora Forum, indicating a widespread impact across multiple device models and manufacturers that rely on this kernel implementation.
The core technical flaw manifests as an improper authorization condition within the TrustZone implementation, where the security boundaries between the normal world and the secure world may not be properly enforced. This allows potential attackers to bypass the intended authorization checks that should prevent unauthorized access to secure resources and functions. The vulnerability likely stems from insufficient validation of access requests or improper handling of privilege levels when transitioning between different security contexts. Such flaws typically occur when the system fails to adequately verify the authenticity and authorization status of entities attempting to access protected resources within the secure execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious code within the secure world or extract sensitive information from protected memory regions. This could result in complete compromise of the device's security model, allowing adversaries to bypass encryption, access secure storage, or manipulate system functions that should remain protected. The vulnerability's presence in Linux kernel implementations from Code Aurora Forum suggests that numerous Android devices across various manufacturers could be affected, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. This type of flaw particularly undermines the fundamental security assumptions of TrustZone, which relies on strict authorization controls to maintain the integrity of secure operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9945 should focus on updating to patched kernel versions that properly address the authorization flaw within TrustZone implementation. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that correct the improper authorization handling and strengthen the security boundaries between execution environments. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper authorization issues in security systems, and represents a significant concern from an ATT&CK perspective under the privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify affected devices and implement layered security approaches that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts even if the primary fix is not immediately available. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining secure kernel implementations and proper authorization controls in mobile security architectures.