CVE-2014-9965 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a vulnerability exists in the parsing of an SCM call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9965 represents a critical flaw in the Android operating system's kernel implementation that affects all versions utilizing the Linux kernel from the Code Aurora Forum. This security weakness specifically targets the handling of Secure Command Manager calls within the kernel's system call interface, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the underlying system architecture. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms during the parsing of SCM calls, which are essential for communication between the secure world and the normal world in ARM-based systems. This issue directly impacts the integrity of the kernel's security model and exposes devices to potential privilege escalation attacks. The flaw manifests when the kernel fails to properly sanitize input parameters during SCM call processing, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's execution flow through crafted malicious inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where SCM calls are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exploitation requires understanding of the ARM architecture's secure world implementation and the specific SCM call interface used by Qualcomm-based Android devices. This vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of secure system design where even seemingly benign kernel operations can become attack vectors when proper input validation is lacking. The issue is particularly concerning in mobile environments where kernel-level access can provide attackers with unrestricted control over device functionality and data protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9965 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture of affected Android devices. Devices running vulnerable versions of Android are susceptible to persistent rootkits, data exfiltration, and complete device takeover scenarios. The vulnerability affects a broad range of mobile devices including smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers who utilize Qualcomm chipsets and the Linux kernel implementation. Security researchers have documented that this vulnerability can be exploited through malicious applications or compromised system components that trigger the flawed SCM call parsing mechanism. The attack surface is particularly wide given that SCM calls are essential for legitimate system operations including hardware security module interactions, cryptographic operations, and secure boot processes. Organizations and users face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in mobile threat landscapes where apps are frequently downloaded and executed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through official security updates provided by device manufacturers and Google. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the kernel's SCM call parsing routines to prevent malformed inputs from causing system instability or privilege escalation. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected devices to patched kernel versions that include hardened input validation and proper bounds checking for SCM call parameters. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations implementing security controls should reference ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, as this vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve similar attack objectives. The fix should include comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate SCM calls continue to function properly while eliminating the security gap that allows malicious inputs to be processed without proper validation.