CVE-2024-20093 in MT6761
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
In vdec, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09028313; Issue ID: MSV-1699.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20093 resides within the video decoder component known as vdec, representing a critical security flaw that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate input data boundaries before processing. The vulnerability specifically affects the video decoding subsystem where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. Such a flaw typically arises during the parsing or interpretation of video streams where the decoder does not adequately verify that data pointers remain within allocated memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental lack of input validation within the vdec module's memory management routines. When processing video data, the decoder routine fails to perform proper boundary checks on buffer indices or pointers, enabling an attacker to craft specially formatted video content that triggers memory access violations. The out-of-bounds read condition can potentially expose sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, including kernel memory regions, system credentials, or other confidential information stored in memory. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in input validation processes. The weakness creates an avenue for information disclosure attacks where an attacker can extract data that should remain protected within system memory.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20093 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. While exploitation requires system execution privileges, the vulnerability's local nature means that an attacker with user-level access could potentially leverage this flaw to gain deeper system access. The attack vector does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention. This characteristic aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation through local exploitation techniques, specifically targeting the execution and privilege escalation tactics. The vulnerability's presence in the vdec component means that any video processing activity could potentially trigger the exploit, making it a persistent threat during normal system operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the vdec module and ensuring proper input validation for all video stream processing. The patch ALPS09028313 specifically addresses this issue by adding required boundary validation checks to prevent out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should prioritize applying this patch immediately to all affected devices, particularly those handling untrusted video content. Additional defensive measures include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel memory protection features. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in system components that process external data streams, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and the principle of least privilege execution. Regular security assessments of multimedia processing components remain essential to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.