CVE-2024-0033 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 02/16/2024
In multiple functions of ashmem-dev.cpp, there is a possible missing seal due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0033 resides within the ashmem-dev.cpp implementation across multiple functions, representing a critical security flaw that could enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This issue stems from a heap buffer overflow condition that creates potential for privilege escalation by allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the kernel space, where memory management and privilege controls are paramount to system security.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation within the ashmem device driver implementation. When multiple functions process memory operations, they fail to properly enforce bounds checking or memory sealing mechanisms, creating opportunities for heap corruption that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper handling of memory operations in kernel space. The heap buffer overflow occurs when the system allocates memory for shared memory segments but fails to properly validate or seal the allocated buffer regions, allowing for potential memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the kernel's memory management subsystem that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The lack of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when the vulnerable functions are invoked through normal system operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications or services might trigger the affected code paths. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting kernel-level exploits that leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain administrative access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0033 should focus on implementing comprehensive memory bounds checking and proper buffer sealing mechanisms throughout the ashmem-dev.cpp implementation. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability requires immediate attention since it operates without user interaction and can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation, making it a high-priority remediation item in any security posture assessment. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module signing, memory protection mechanisms, and runtime integrity checks to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities that could potentially exist in other kernel components.