CVE-2014-9968 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the UIMDIAG interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9968 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the UIMDIAG interface of Qualcomm products running Android versions through the Linux kernel. This issue affects a broad range of mobile devices that utilize Qualcomm's cellular modems and communication stacks, creating a significant security risk across multiple device manufacturers. The UIMDIAG interface serves as a diagnostic communication channel that allows for testing and debugging of Universal Integrated Module functionality, which is integral to mobile network connectivity and SIM card operations.
This buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the UIMDIAG subsystem, where maliciously crafted data packets can exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions. The technical flaw manifests when the system processes diagnostic commands without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to inject excessive data that triggers memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability exists at the kernel level within the Linux kernel implementation used by Qualcomm's Android-based devices, making it particularly dangerous as it operates with elevated privileges and can affect core system functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and remote code execution. Attackers who can access the UIMDIAG interface through physical proximity or network-based attacks may exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to device functions, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information from SIM cards, manipulate cellular communications, or establish persistent backdoors. The widespread adoption of Qualcomm's chipsets across numerous Android device models means that this vulnerability affects millions of devices globally, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where mobile device management systems rely on secure communication protocols and where physical security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9968 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators through firmware updates that implement proper input validation and buffer size enforcement within the UIMDIAG interface. The solution involves patching the Linux kernel components that handle diagnostic communications, ensuring that all incoming data is properly bounded and validated before processing. Organizations should also implement network segmentation controls to restrict access to diagnostic interfaces and consider disabling unnecessary diagnostic services when not actively required. Additionally, device security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can access UIMDIAG functionality, and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous diagnostic activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must be carefully coordinated with device vendors to ensure complete coverage across all affected models while minimizing disruption to legitimate device operations.