CVE-2014-9948 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In TrustZone in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an Improper Validation of Array Index vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9948 represents a critical security flaw within the TrustZone implementation across Android devices utilizing Qualcomm Chipsets and the Linux kernel. This issue resides in the secure execution environment where sensitive operations are supposed to be isolated from the main operating system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of array indices within TrustZone components, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the secure element of the device.
The technical flaw manifests as an improper validation of array index parameters within the TrustZone subsystem, which operates as a separate security domain within the Android architecture. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate array access patterns through crafted inputs or system calls that bypass normal validation mechanisms. When the system processes array operations without proper bounds checking, it becomes susceptible to buffer overflows or out-of-bounds memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically affects Android releases from CAF (Qualcomm Android Framework) that implement TrustZone technology, making it widespread across numerous mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm processors and the associated Linux kernel implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it potentially enables attackers to escalate privileges within the secure execution environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, execute arbitrary code within TrustZone, or compromise the integrity of the secure boot process. The implications are particularly severe because TrustZone is designed to provide a trusted execution environment where sensitive operations such as cryptographic key storage, biometric authentication, and secure payment processing are expected to remain isolated from potential threats in the main operating system. This weakness undermines the fundamental security model of the device, potentially allowing attackers to extract encryption keys, bypass authentication mechanisms, or manipulate secure applications that depend on the TrustZone isolation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9948 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators. The primary approach involves implementing proper array index validation mechanisms within TrustZone components, ensuring that all array accesses include comprehensive bounds checking and input sanitization. Security patches should focus on updating the Linux kernel components that interface with TrustZone, particularly those handling memory management and secure communication protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous array access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129 which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array index parameters, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code within secure environments. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched components to ensure that security improvements do not introduce regressions in system functionality while maintaining the integrity of the secure execution environment.