CVE-2014-9960 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the PlayReady API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9960 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the PlayReady API implementation in Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel from the Code Aurora Forum. This issue affects all Android versions that incorporate the Linux kernel components provided by Code Aurora Forum, creating a widespread security concern across numerous mobile devices. The PlayReady API serves as a digital rights management framework that enables secure playback of protected media content, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or compromise media playback security on affected devices.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow occurs within the PlayReady API implementation where insufficient input validation and bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability typically arises when developers fail to properly validate the size of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to craft specially malformed inputs that exceed buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests in how the API processes media content metadata or playback instructions, where attacker-controlled data can cause stack or heap corruption that may lead to privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9960 extends beyond simple media playback functionality as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks targeting the Android operating system. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on affected devices, potentially enabling them to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, or even take complete control of the device. The vulnerability affects devices that rely on the Linux kernel components from Code Aurora Forum, which includes numerous Android smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers, making the attack surface particularly broad and concerning for enterprise and consumer security alike.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through compromised media playback functionality. The attack vector typically involves delivering specially crafted media content or playback instructions that trigger the buffer overflow when processed by the vulnerable PlayReady API implementation. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also considering the broader implications of digital rights management vulnerabilities in mobile ecosystems.
The remediation approach requires device manufacturers and system integrators to update their Android implementations to versions that contain patched PlayReady API components, ensuring proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms are in place. Additionally, security teams should implement runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, particularly during media playback operations. Regular security assessments of digital rights management systems and comprehensive vulnerability scanning of mobile device components remain essential practices to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.