CVE-2024-20098 in MT6768
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
In power, 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: ALPS08996886; Issue ID: MSV-1626.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20098 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the power management subsystem of the affected system. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check during memory operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory layouts and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts the power management components that handle system state transitions and resource allocation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these services are actively utilized.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, which are classified as severe memory safety issues that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. The absence of proper bounds checking during memory operations allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical system structures or executable code. This type of vulnerability typically arises when developers fail to validate input parameters or buffer limits before performing memory operations, creating predictable patterns that can be exploited through carefully crafted inputs or system calls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker with minimal system access could potentially gain SYSTEM execution privileges without requiring user interaction. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without social engineering or additional attack vectors. The patch ID ALPS08996886 and issue ID MSV-1626 indicate that this vulnerability has been formally recognized and addressed by the vendor, though the specific nature of the fix suggests it involves implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms and memory validation routines.
The exploitation of CVE-2024-20098 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution of malicious code. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, or create backdoors within the power management subsystem. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it could potentially allow attackers to manipulate system power states, affect hardware behavior, or interfere with critical system operations. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately, as it represents a direct threat to system integrity and could enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch referenced by ALPS08996886, along with comprehensive monitoring for suspicious system behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Security teams should also implement additional controls such as memory protection mechanisms, regular system integrity checks, and monitoring of power management service activities. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that organizations should also review their user access controls and implement principle of least privilege configurations to minimize potential damage from exploitation attempts.