CVE-2024-0045 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In smp_proc_sec_req of smp_act.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote (proximal/adjacent) information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0045 resides within the smp_proc_sec_req function in the smp_act.cc source file, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests in the Secure Message Protocol implementation where the system fails to properly validate the length and boundaries of incoming data segments before processing them. The improper validation allows an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially causing the system to read memory locations beyond the intended data structures. This specific implementation issue falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses improper validation of array indices and buffer overflows that can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as remote and proximal/adjacent indicates that exploitation can occur without requiring user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where systems may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. The lack of user interaction requirement means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability through automated scanning or network-based attacks without needing to convince users to perform specific actions.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0045 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive system information, memory contents, or internal state data that could be leveraged by attackers to gain further insights into the target system. This type of vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the leaked information might reveal memory layout details, system configurations, or internal data structures that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability's presence in the Secure Message Protocol component suggests that it could affect secure communication channels, potentially compromising the confidentiality of transmitted data or exposing cryptographic keys and session information. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the information disclosure could enable attackers to craft more targeted payloads or identify system weaknesses. The lack of execution privileges requirement means that even systems with limited user access could be compromised, as the vulnerability allows for passive information gathering that can be used to facilitate more active attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0045 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that enforce strict boundary checking before processing any incoming data segments. The fix should include adding comprehensive length validation checks that ensure all input data conforms to expected size limits before being processed by the smp_proc_sec_req function. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, while monitoring for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive coding practices such as using safe string handling functions, implementing bounds checking, and employing modern compiler security features like stack canaries and address space layout randomization should be prioritized. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on traffic patterns consistent with this type of vulnerability exploitation, particularly in environments where the affected software components are exposed to external networks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in related components and ensure that the implemented fixes are effective in preventing information disclosure through buffer overflows. The remediation process should also include thorough regression testing to ensure that the input validation changes do not introduce new functionality issues or performance degradation in the secure messaging protocol implementation.