CVE-2014-9950 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Core Kernel 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 • 10/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9950 resides within the Core Kernel component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting all versions released by the Code Aurora Forum that utilize the Linux kernel. This issue represents a critical weakness in the authorization mechanisms that govern access control within the kernel space. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of permissions and access controls that should normally prevent unauthorized processes from executing privileged operations. According to CWE-284, this flaw corresponds to improper authorization conditions where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The affected Android versions span multiple releases, indicating this was a widespread issue that impacted numerous devices across different manufacturers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to kernel-level functions that should typically be restricted to privileged processes or system components. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to bypass normal access controls and execute operations that would normally be prohibited. The Linux kernel's security model relies heavily on proper authorization checks at multiple levels, and this flaw represents a breakdown in that protective framework. When examining the operational impact, this vulnerability creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with root-level access to the device, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious software, or extract sensitive data.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and privileges to gain access to systems. The improper authorization mechanism creates a vector for attackers to leverage existing system processes to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially affect broader network security postures, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices connect to corporate networks. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader mobile security strategy, especially when evaluating device management and security policy enforcement. The persistence of this vulnerability across multiple Android versions underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust mobile device management solutions.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of security patches provided by device manufacturers and Google, along with enhanced monitoring of system access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as device authentication requirements and network access controls to limit potential impact. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation within kernel components and serves as a reminder of the need for continuous security auditing of core system functions. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile threat defense solutions that can detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of mobile platforms and kernel configurations remain essential to identify and remediate similar authorization flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.