CVE-2024-0049 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In multiple locations, there is a possible out of bounds write 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-2024-0049 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition that exists across multiple system components, fundamentally compromising memory integrity and system security. This flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write operation that occurs within heap memory management structures, where malicious data can be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its potential to enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is already possible. The heap buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though in this case it operates within heap memory spaces, making it a variant of heap-based buffer overflow conditions that are notoriously difficult to detect and exploit. The absence of user interaction requirements means that an attacker with local access can automatically trigger this vulnerability, eliminating the need for social engineering or complex exploitation chains.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory allocation and bounds checking mechanisms within the affected system components. When the system processes data that exceeds the allocated heap buffer size, the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory regions including metadata, pointers, or other critical control structures. This type of heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability, as the overflowed memory segments may contain return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow information. The exploitation process leverages the predictable nature of heap memory layout in modern operating systems, where attackers can manipulate heap allocations to overwrite critical data structures. This vulnerability type is particularly concerning because heap-based attacks can be more subtle and harder to detect than stack-based buffer overflows, as heap memory management is more complex and less predictable than stack memory. The attack vector operates entirely within the local execution context, meaning that an attacker who already has access to a system account can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional attack surfaces or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0049 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental breach in the system's memory safety mechanisms that can lead to complete system compromise. Local privilege escalation through heap buffer overflows can enable attackers to gain administrative or root-level access, allowing them to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's ability to function without user interaction means that automated exploitation is possible, making it attractive to both malicious actors and security researchers who may be conducting penetration testing. The attack surface for this vulnerability spans multiple system locations, suggesting that the underlying memory management flaw exists in core system components that are frequently accessed and utilized. This widespread presence increases the probability of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple system components interact with heap memory. The implications extend to compliance requirements and security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, where such vulnerabilities represent critical control failures in the system's integrity and availability domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0049 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor-provided patches or updates that correct the heap buffer overflow by implementing proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation. Memory safety enhancements such as heap hardening techniques, address space layout randomization, and stack canaries should be implemented to prevent exploitation even if the underlying vulnerability persists. The implementation of secure coding practices, particularly those aligned with the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT C Secure Coding Standard, can help prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also implement monitoring and detection mechanisms that can identify anomalous heap memory behaviors or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive measures including process monitoring, privilege access controls, and system integrity verification. Regular security assessments and code reviews should specifically target heap memory management patterns to identify potential buffer overflow conditions before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.