CVE-2014-9981 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In all Qualcomm products with Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel, an overflow check in the USB interface was insufficient during boot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9981 represents a critical security flaw within Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that affect numerous Android devices running versions from the Android Common Audio Framework. This issue manifests in the Linux kernel implementation of USB interface handling during the device boot process, where inadequate overflow checking creates opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system. The flaw specifically targets the initialization sequence of USB components, particularly affecting devices that utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. The insufficient overflow validation occurs in kernel-level code responsible for managing USB communication protocols, making it a fundamental issue that impacts the core operating system functionality. This vulnerability exists across multiple Android versions and Qualcomm product lines, indicating a widespread exposure that affects both consumer and enterprise mobile devices. The nature of the flaw suggests it could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability during critical boot phases when device security is most vulnerable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the USB subsystem of the Linux kernel used in Qualcomm platforms. During the boot process, when USB interfaces are being initialized, the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters that control buffer allocation and data handling. This allows for potential buffer overflow conditions that could be triggered by malformed USB descriptors or malicious USB device connections. The insufficient validation typically occurs in kernel modules responsible for USB host controller drivers, where input validation is not comprehensive enough to prevent malicious data from causing memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during boot time when the system is most vulnerable and before full security mitigations are typically active. This timing allows attackers to potentially gain elevated privileges or execute code before the device's normal security mechanisms are fully operational. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command execution through kernel-level manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9981 extends beyond simple device compromise to include potential system-wide security degradation and data exposure. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain root access to affected devices, enabling them to install persistent backdoors, extract sensitive information, or modify system files. The boot-time nature of the exploit means that even devices with strong security configurations could be compromised before full system protection mechanisms are engaged. Devices affected by this vulnerability include smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms that rely on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, creating a substantial attack surface across the mobile ecosystem. The exploitation of this flaw could also potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations or lateral movement within networks when compromised devices are connected to corporate or public networks. Organizations relying on Qualcomm-based Android devices for enterprise operations face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile device management strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9981 should focus on immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm released patches to address the insufficient overflow checking in their kernel implementations. System administrators and device users should prioritize applying security updates from their device manufacturers as soon as available, particularly for devices that remain in use beyond the manufacturer's support period. Network security teams should implement monitoring for unusual USB connection patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be triggered by connecting malicious USB devices to affected systems. Device hardening practices should include disabling unnecessary USB functionality when devices are not actively in use, particularly in enterprise environments where security is paramount. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for embedded systems and mobile platforms, as this flaw demonstrates how kernel-level issues can create persistent security risks that span multiple device generations. Organizations should also consider implementing device enrollment and monitoring systems that can detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where mobile device security is critical to overall network protection.