CVE-2014-9985 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile MDM9635M, SD 400, and SD 800, TOCTOU condition may result in bypassing error condition checks, leading to undefined behavior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9985 represents a time-of-check to time-of-use race condition affecting Android devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9635M, SD 400, and SD 800 series. This flaw exists within the Android operating system's security framework and was addressed through a security patch released on April 5, 2018. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of error conditions during file operations, creating a window where system checks can be bypassed between the moment a security check is performed and when the actual operation is executed. This type of race condition falls under the CWE-367 category of Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use vulnerability, which is classified as a critical security weakness in software design. The flaw specifically impacts devices running Android versions prior to the mentioned patch date, leaving them susceptible to unauthorized access and privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a race condition in the system's file access controls where an attacker can manipulate file states between the time a security check is performed and when the file operation is actually executed. During normal operation, the system performs checks to verify file permissions and access rights before allowing operations to proceed. However, in this case, an attacker can modify the file or directory structure during the brief window between these checks and the actual execution, effectively bypassing the intended security restrictions. This allows for potentially unauthorized file access, modification, or deletion operations that would normally be prevented by the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low system level, potentially enabling attackers to circumvent core security features that protect system integrity and user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9985 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass critical security controls that protect against unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability affects devices that were widely deployed in the mobile ecosystem, particularly those manufactured by various OEMs using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets, creating a significant attack surface. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in data theft, system modification, or the installation of malicious software without proper authorization. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a valuable primitive for achieving persistent access and can be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the use of local system privileges to escalate access and maintain persistence within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9985 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Google and Qualcomm, ensuring all affected devices receive the necessary updates. Organizations and users must verify that their Android devices have received the April 2018 security update or later, which addresses this specific race condition. Device manufacturers should implement robust update mechanisms to ensure timely patch deployment and monitor their device fleets for vulnerable configurations. System administrators should conduct inventory checks to identify devices running vulnerable Android versions and prioritize patching efforts. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and race condition prevention in system design, emphasizing the need for developers to follow secure coding practices that prevent time-of-check to time-of-use scenarios. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as file integrity monitoring and access control enforcement to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that patches do not introduce regressions in device functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to address this vulnerability.