CVE-2024-20067 in MT6813
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
In modem, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input invalidation. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01267285; Issue ID: MSV-1462.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
This vulnerability exists within modem firmware where an improper input validation mechanism allows for a potential out of bounds write condition. The flaw occurs when the modem processes incoming data without adequate bounds checking, enabling an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated memory buffer. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category for out of bounds write, which represents a critical class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to system instability and potential exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the modem level where network communications are handled, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt connectivity services.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where input validation routines fail to properly sanitize or limit the size of data being processed. When the modem receives network packets or configuration data, it appears to store this information in a fixed-size buffer without sufficient validation of the input length. This allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, causing unpredictable behavior in the modem's operation. The vulnerability is classified as a remote denial of service issue because exploitation can occur without requiring any user interaction or local privileges, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure components. The absence of user interaction requirements aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, where adversaries can disrupt services remotely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire network connectivity of affected devices. Modems serve as critical gateways between local networks and external communication services, so a successful exploitation could result in complete loss of network connectivity for users. The lack of additional execution privileges needed for exploitation means that even unprivileged network attackers can potentially cause significant disruption. This vulnerability affects the reliability and availability of network services, particularly in environments where modem firmware is not regularly updated or patched. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can target vulnerable modems from anywhere on the network, making it difficult to protect against such attacks without proper patch management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as indicated by the provided patch ID MOLY01267285. Network administrators should prioritize patching affected modem devices to prevent exploitation, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where network availability is paramount. The vulnerability's classification as a remote denial of service with no user interaction requirements necessitates proactive security measures including network monitoring for anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network activity, and establishing regular firmware update procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to limit exposure of modem devices to untrusted networks, as recommended by industry best practices for securing network infrastructure components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in firmware development processes, particularly for critical network infrastructure components where reliability is essential.