CVE-2014-9998 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before 2018-04-05 or earlier security patch level on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear IPQ4019, IPQ8064, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, QCA4531, QCA6174A, QCA6574AU, QCA6584, QCA6584AU, QCA9377, QCA9378, QCA9379, QCA9558, QCA9880, QCA9886, QCA9980, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 625, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, and SDX20, while processing firmware image signature, the internal buffer may overflow if the firmware signature size is large.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile chipsets affected by Android versions prior to the 2018-04-05 security patch level. The flaw manifests during firmware image signature processing where an insufficient buffer size validation leads to a potential buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm SoC families including automotive platforms like IPQ4019, IPQ8064, and mobile chipsets such as MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, QCA4531, QCA6174A, QCA6574AU, QCA6584, QCA6584AU, QCA9377, QCA9378, QCA9379, QCA9558, QCA9880, QCA9886, QCA9980, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 625, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, and SDX20. The buffer overflow occurs specifically when processing firmware signatures that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during firmware signature processing within the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset's firmware handling mechanisms. When firmware images are loaded and their signatures are verified, the system fails to properly validate the signature size against the allocated buffer boundaries. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious firmware image with an oversized signature that overflows the designated buffer space, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significantly enhanced by the widespread deployment of affected Qualcomm chipsets in automotive and mobile devices, providing attackers with access to numerous potential targets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or instability. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow could gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the firmware processing environment, potentially enabling full system compromise. The automotive applications of these chipsets present particularly concerning implications as they control critical vehicle functions such as infotainment systems, telematics, and vehicle communication protocols. The vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate firmware updates, disable security features, or gain persistent access to vehicle systems. Additionally, the mobile device implications include potential unauthorized access to device functionality, data exfiltration, and the ability to modify critical system components through compromised firmware images. The vulnerability's presence across multiple chipset generations means that a significant portion of Android devices manufactured prior to the specified patch level remain at risk.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the relevant Android security patches released on or after April 5, 2018, which address the buffer overflow condition in the firmware signature processing code. Organizations and device manufacturers should implement firmware update policies that ensure all affected devices receive the necessary security patches promptly. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventories to identify all devices utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation could involve command execution within compromised firmware environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing firmware integrity monitoring, deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous firmware update patterns, and establishing secure boot processes that validate firmware signatures before execution. Given the automotive nature of many affected platforms, compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and NHTSA regulations should also be considered to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar vulnerabilities.