CVE-2024-0051 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In onQueueFilled of SoftMPEG4.cpp, 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-2024-0051 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the SoftMPEG4.cpp component of a multimedia processing library. This flaw manifests specifically within the onQueueFilled function where improper bounds checking allows for memory corruption that can be exploited to achieve privilege escalation. The vulnerability resides in the software's handling of MPEG4 video decoding operations and demonstrates a classic buffer overflow pattern that has been documented in numerous security advisories over the years.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the video processing pipeline. When the onQueueFilled function processes incoming video data, it fails to properly verify array bounds before writing data to heap-allocated memory regions. This condition creates an opportunity for attackers to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including critical metadata or control information. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at a low level within the multimedia processing stack where memory corruption can directly translate into arbitrary code execution capabilities.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems that process MPEG4 video content, particularly those running on mobile devices, embedded systems, or multimedia applications. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker who can execute code on the target system can elevate their privileges to the highest level available, potentially gaining root or administrator access. The exploitation requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the affected software processes malicious video content. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' technique where vulnerabilities are leveraged to gain elevated system access.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability can be mapped to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. These weaknesses typically occur when software fails to validate input data against the boundaries of allocated memory regions. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it operates within a component that is likely invoked during normal video processing workflows, meaning exploitation can occur without any special conditions or user interaction. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to compromised systems through automated exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0051 should focus on immediate patch deployment from the software vendor, as this represents a critical security flaw that requires code-level fixes to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running affected software. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious process behavior or unexpected privilege escalation attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The remediation approach should include thorough code review of similar buffer handling patterns throughout the multimedia processing library to identify and address potential similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult even if patches are not immediately available.