CVE-2024-20074 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
In dmc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS08668110; Issue ID: MSV-1333.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20074 resides within the dmc component, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This weakness manifests when the system fails to properly verify array bounds during memory operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious code to write data beyond the allocated memory space. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where dmc is deployed and requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must already possess elevated privileges to leverage this flaw effectively. The absence of bounds checking represents a fundamental failure in memory safety practices that directly violates established security principles and coding standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted inputs that bypass normal validation procedures. When the dmc component processes data without proper boundary verification, it allows subsequent memory writes to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executing arbitrary code. This flaw operates at a low level within the system's memory management mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to escalate privileges from a standard user account to system-level access. The vulnerability's design flaw aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices and other forms of bounds checking failures that lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20074 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation that can result in complete system compromise. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be automatically triggered by malicious processes running on the same system, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users or services share system resources. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights. The patch identifier ALPS08668110 and issue reference MSV-1333 indicate this vulnerability was recognized and addressed through specific firmware or software updates, emphasizing its severity and the need for immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20074 should prioritize immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch ALPS08668110 to address the root cause of the bounds checking failure. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected dmc component and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. Additional protective measures include implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and establishing robust input validation mechanisms that can detect and prevent similar out-of-bounds write conditions. Organizations should also consider applying defensive coding practices such as bounds checking libraries and static analysis tools to identify potential memory safety issues in other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to secure coding standards and maintaining regular security updates to protect against emerging threats that exploit fundamental memory safety weaknesses in system components.