CVE-2024-20069 in MT6833
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
In modem, there is a possible selection of less-secure algorithm during the VoWiFi IKE due to a missing DH downgrade check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01286330; Issue ID: MSV-1430.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20069 resides within modem firmware implementations that handle VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) security protocols. This issue specifically affects the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) process used to establish secure communications between mobile devices and wireless networks. The flaw manifests as a missing Diffie-Hellman (DH) downgrade check during the IKE negotiation phase, creating a significant security gap in the cryptographic handshake mechanism.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of cryptographic parameters during the IKE security association establishment. When a device attempts to connect via VoWiFi, the modem performs key exchange operations using Diffie-Hellman parameters to generate shared secrets. The absence of proper downgrade protection allows attackers to manipulate the negotiation process and force the use of weaker cryptographic algorithms than originally intended. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-326, concerning the use of insecure or weak cryptographic algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. An attacker positioned within the network range or capable of conducting man-in-the-middle attacks can exploit this weakness to potentially intercept VoWiFi communications, access sensitive telephony data, and extract confidential information transmitted over the wireless connection. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any targeted engagement from the end user. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through phishing, though in this case the access is achieved through cryptographic downgrade rather than social engineering.
The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential session hijacking and communication interception capabilities. Since VoWiFi traffic includes voice communications and associated signaling data, successful exploitation could lead to eavesdropping on private conversations, access to call metadata, and potential credential exposure through related network protocols. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the security framework that should protect wireless voice communications, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of the VoWiFi implementation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper cryptographic parameter validation and ensuring that the modem firmware includes robust DH parameter checking mechanisms. Network administrators should prioritize applying the vendor-provided patch identified by patch ID MOLY01286330 and monitoring for any unauthorized cryptographic negotiations. System architects should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual cryptographic parameter selections and establish baseline configurations that prevent downgrade scenarios. Organizations using VoWiFi services should also evaluate their overall wireless security posture and consider implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of cryptographic validation in security protocols and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and algorithm selection.