CVE-2024-20007 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2024
In mp3 decoder, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a race condition. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS08441369; Issue ID: ALPS08441369.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20007 affects an mp3 decoder implementation within a mobile platform, specifically manifesting as a potential out of bounds write condition that arises from a race condition during audio processing operations. This flaw exists within the multimedia subsystem where mp3 files are decoded and processed for playback, creating a critical security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors without requiring additional privileges beyond normal user access. The race condition occurs during the concurrent processing of audio data structures, where multiple threads or processes access shared memory locations without proper synchronization mechanisms, leading to unpredictable memory corruption patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through the deliberate triggering of mp3 file processing, typically through media playback applications or file sharing mechanisms. When an attacker crafts a malicious mp3 file with specially constructed metadata or audio data, the race condition can cause the decoder to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of its internal buffers or data structures. This out of bounds write operation can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executable code, which may result in arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically targets the mp3 decoding component that handles audio frame parsing and buffer management, where insufficient bounds checking occurs during concurrent memory access operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to mobile device security as it enables remote privilege escalation without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The attack surface is broad since mp3 files are commonly shared through various channels including email attachments, messaging applications, and file sharing platforms. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain system-level privileges, potentially enabling them to install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability's classification as a race condition aligns with CWE-362, which describes concurrent execution issues that can lead to security flaws, while the out of bounds write aspect corresponds to CWE-121, addressing buffer overflow conditions that can result in memory corruption.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the patch identified by patch ID ALPS08441369, which addresses the race condition through proper synchronization mechanisms and enhanced bounds checking within the mp3 decoder implementation. System administrators should prioritize deployment of this security update across all affected platforms, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management solutions can facilitate automated patch distribution. Additionally, organizations should implement defensive measures such as restricting mp3 file execution in high-security environments, monitoring for unusual audio processing patterns, and considering the deployment of sandboxing mechanisms for media playback applications. The remediation approach should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with legitimate mp3 files or affect normal media playback functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper concurrent programming practices and memory safety mechanisms in multimedia processing components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through multimedia applications and T1068 for privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities.