CVE-2024-20079 in MT6761
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2024
In gnss service, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS08044040; Issue ID: MSV-1491.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20079 resides within the gnss service component of a mobile device operating system, representing a critical security flaw that could enable local privilege escalation. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the service fails to properly validate input parameters received from external sources. The gnss service typically handles global navigation satellite system data processing and coordinate calculations, making it a critical system component that requires robust security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where it can potentially be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges without requiring user interaction, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the gnss service code. When processing incoming data streams or configuration parameters, the service does not sufficiently verify array bounds or buffer limits before writing data to memory locations. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical system structures or execute arbitrary code. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory layout disruption that can be exploited to manipulate system execution flow and elevate privileges to system level access. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a high-severity weakness due to its potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20079 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental breach in the system's memory safety mechanisms. Once exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the highest system privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise and persistent access. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user awareness or intervention. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw provides an ideal entry point for establishing persistent backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, or deploying additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and memory safety controls within the gnss service component. The patch ALPS08044040 addresses this issue by strengthening buffer boundary checks and implementing proper input sanitization procedures that prevent out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of this patch across all affected devices and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing runtime memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention to make exploitation more difficult. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of similar services within their systems to identify and remediate comparable vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of robust input validation in system-level services and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in significant security risks.