CVE-2014-9975 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a rollback vulnerability potentially exists in Full Disk Encryption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9975 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm-based Android devices that utilize the Linux kernel for their full disk encryption implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects devices where Qualcomm's Android framework (CAF) integrates with the underlying Linux kernel, creating a potential attack surface that could compromise the integrity of encrypted data storage. The issue manifests as a rollback vulnerability within the full disk encryption mechanism, which fundamentally undermines the security guarantees that encryption is designed to provide.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the encryption rollback process, allowing malicious actors to potentially downgrade or bypass the encryption protocols that protect user data. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of hardware security features provided by Qualcomm's chipsets and the software implementations within the Android operating system, creating a scenario where the encryption state can be manipulated or reverted to an earlier, potentially less secure configuration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core encryption mechanisms that are supposed to protect sensitive user data, making it a significant concern for enterprise and personal device security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could enable sophisticated attacks that leverage the rollback capability to access encrypted data without proper authentication. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to perform downgrade attacks that force devices into less secure encryption modes, or to bypass encryption entirely by manipulating the rollback mechanisms that are supposed to prevent such scenarios. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data stored on affected devices, potentially exposing sensitive information including personal communications, financial data, and corporate intellectual property. The widespread adoption of Qualcomm chipsets in Android devices means that this vulnerability affects a substantial portion of the mobile device ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9975 should prioritize immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as these patches typically address the specific validation flaws in the encryption rollback mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for signs of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls that detect anomalous encryption state changes or rollback activities. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in systems, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category T1483, which covers data encryption for ransomware and data manipulation techniques. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust cryptographic implementation and proper validation of security states within mobile device encryption systems.