CVE-2014-9952 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Secure File System in all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a capture-replay vulnerability could potentially exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9952 resides within the Secure File System implementation across all Android releases from Code Aurora Forum that utilize the Linux kernel. This represents a critical security flaw that affects the fundamental data protection mechanisms employed by Android devices. The vulnerability specifically targets the secure file system component that is responsible for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality through cryptographic operations and access controls. The issue manifests in a capture-replay scenario where an attacker can potentially exploit the system's failure to properly validate or invalidate previously captured cryptographic operations or session data.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Secure File System's cryptographic protocols. When the system processes secure file operations, it fails to properly implement replay detection or session management controls that would normally prevent the reuse of captured cryptographic tokens, authentication sequences, or encrypted data segments. This weakness allows malicious actors to capture legitimate cryptographic operations and replay them at a later time to gain unauthorized access to protected data or system resources. The vulnerability particularly affects the Linux kernel implementations used by Android devices, making it widespread across numerous device models and firmware versions from the affected vendors. The flaw operates at the kernel level where secure file system operations are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass higher-level security controls and directly impact the integrity of the underlying file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full system exploitation and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage the capture-replay capability to perform authentication bypasses, access protected files and directories, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects all Android releases from the Code Aurora Forum, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple device generations and manufacturers. The implications include potential data theft, unauthorized system modifications, and the ability to maintain persistent access to affected devices. Security researchers have identified this as a significant risk to enterprise environments where Android devices handle sensitive corporate data, as well as personal devices containing private information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9952 require immediate patching of affected systems through kernel updates and firmware modifications provided by device manufacturers. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential replay attacks and establish robust session management protocols that can identify and reject previously captured cryptographic operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials and T1074.001 for Data Staged. Device administrators must ensure that all Android devices receive timely security updates and that system configurations include proper cryptographic protocol enforcement. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems, and establishing strict access controls for sensitive data. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic protocol implementation and the necessity of robust session management in secure file system operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all affected systems and implement layered security controls to prevent exploitation of this capture-replay vulnerability.