CVE-2024-20095 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
In m4u, 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: ALPS08996894; Issue ID: MSV-1636.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20095 affects the m4u component within a system architecture, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system processes data without performing proper bounds checking, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond allocated boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local information disclosure, meaning an attacker with system execution privileges can potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers to successful exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation might occur through various attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the m4u component's failure to validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The out-of-bounds read condition typically occurs when a program attempts to access memory addresses that fall outside the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing adjacent memory contents including sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure indicates that the attacker must already possess system execution privileges to leverage this flaw effectively, though the privilege requirement does not necessarily limit its impact given the potential for data extraction from memory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems that rely on the m4u component for memory management or data processing tasks. The information disclosure aspect could potentially expose critical system information that might aid in further exploitation attempts, including kernel memory layouts, credential storage locations, or other sensitive operational data. Attackers could potentially use this information to craft more sophisticated attacks, bypass security controls, or perform additional reconnaissance activities. The requirement for system execution privileges means that this vulnerability typically would not be exploitable by unauthenticated attackers but could be leveraged by malicious actors who have already gained system-level access through other means such as privilege escalation exploits, social engineering, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-20095 primarily involves applying the patch identified as ALPS08996894, which specifically addresses the missing bounds check in the m4u component. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment to ensure that the vulnerability is remediated across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the m4u component would provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should conduct thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility and monitor system behavior after patch deployment to identify any potential regressions. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and access controls should be maintained to limit the potential impact of privilege escalation scenarios that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically related to memory corruption and information disclosure, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks.