CVE-2024-20100 in MT3605
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
In wlan driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS08998449; Issue ID: MSV-1603.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20100 resides within the wireless local area network driver component of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the wlan driver module. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms during the processing of wireless network data packets. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, where maliciously crafted wireless traffic can cause the driver to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds writes in software systems. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the wireless driver, providing an attack surface that can be exploited without requiring any user interaction or elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the transmission of specially crafted wireless frames that trigger the improper input validation within the wlan driver. When the driver processes these malformed packets, it fails to properly validate the size or content of incoming data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution. This remote code execution capability means that an attacker positioned within the wireless network range can potentially compromise the device without requiring any user interaction or authentication. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at a low level within the system architecture, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the wireless driver process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. The patch ID ALPS08998449 and issue ID MSV-1603 indicate that this vulnerability was identified and addressed within the Android operating system's kernel driver components.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20100 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across various wireless network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malicious applications, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised devices. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for environments where wireless networks are frequently accessed by multiple users or where devices automatically connect to known networks. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through wireless protocols, and T1068 for local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The vulnerability affects devices that utilize the affected wlan driver implementation, potentially impacting a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled devices that rely on the Android operating system's wireless networking capabilities.
Organizations and device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of the security patch associated with ALPS08998449 to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation checks within the wlan driver's packet processing routines, ensuring that all incoming wireless data is properly bounded before memory operations occur. Additional mitigations include network segmentation to limit wireless access points, implementation of wireless intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments of wireless network infrastructure. Device users should ensure their systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that passive attacks can occur without any user awareness or intervention. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of robust input validation practices in kernel-level code, particularly for network drivers that process untrusted data from external sources, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.