CVE-2024-20096 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: ALPS08996900; Issue ID: MSV-1635.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20096 affects the m4u component within a system architecture, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the m4u module processes data without proper bounds checking, creating an opportunity for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must already possess elevated access levels to leverage this weakness effectively. Unlike many vulnerabilities that require user interaction, this issue can be exploited automatically, making it particularly concerning for systems where privilege escalation might occur through legitimate administrative processes or compromised accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the m4u module's failure to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where malicious input or crafted data structures can cause the module to read memory beyond its intended boundaries. The out-of-bounds read typically occurs when the system attempts to access memory locations that were not properly allocated or validated, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. Such memory access violations can reveal confidential information including cryptographic keys, user credentials, system configuration details, or other sensitive operational data that resides in memory adjacent to the targeted buffer.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to system confidentiality and integrity. The requirement for system execution privileges suggests that the attacker has already achieved a level of compromise that allows for privilege escalation or legitimate administrative access. However, the automatic exploitation capability means that once an attacker gains these privileges, they can leverage the vulnerability without additional user interaction, potentially enabling stealthy information extraction. The local nature of the vulnerability implies that it operates within the same system context, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is considered trusted. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tactic T1003 (Credential Dumping) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where adversaries seek to extract sensitive information from compromised systems.
The patch addressing this vulnerability, identified as ALPS08996900, specifically targets the missing bounds check within the m4u module. The issue ID MSV-1635 indicates that this represents a recognized security concern within the vendor's vulnerability management system. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch to prevent potential information disclosure scenarios that could lead to further compromise of the affected systems. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patch deployment. The vulnerability's classification under CWE 129 (Improper Validation of Array Index) demonstrates the fundamental nature of the flaw, which involves inadequate validation of input parameters that could result in memory access violations. System administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts as part of their defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities.