CVE-2014-9979 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, a variable is uninitialized in a TrustZone system call potentially leading to the compromise of secure memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9979 represents a critical security flaw within Qualcomm's Android-based products that utilize the Linux kernel through the Code Aurora Forum CAF environment. This issue manifests in the TrustZone system call implementation where a variable remains uninitialized, creating potential pathways for adversaries to compromise secure memory regions. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm-powered devices running Android operating systems, making it particularly concerning given Qualcomm's widespread adoption across mobile device manufacturers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper initialization of variables within the TrustZone secure execution environment. TrustZone technology provides a secure processing environment that operates alongside the main processor, creating isolated memory spaces for sensitive operations. When variables within system calls are not properly initialized, they may contain residual data from previous operations, potentially exposing information that should remain confidential. This uninitialized variable could be exploited to infer memory contents or manipulate system behavior through side-channel attacks that leverage the unpredictable state of the uninitialized memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9979 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to secure memory areas. The vulnerability particularly affects devices where Qualcomm's secure execution environment is utilized for critical functions such as cryptographic operations, secure boot processes, or hardware-based security features. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to extract sensitive data, manipulate secure operations, or establish persistent access to protected system components, thereby undermining the fundamental security guarantees that TrustZone is designed to provide.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software systems, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation oversights in secure system components can create substantial security risks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from device manufacturers, kernel patches from Qualcomm, and potential runtime protections that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensure comprehensive testing of security patches in enterprise environments before widespread deployment to maintain operational continuity while addressing the vulnerability.