CVE-2024-20103 in MT3605
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
In wlan firmware, 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: ALPS09001358; Issue ID: MSV-1599.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
This vulnerability exists within the wireless local area network firmware component of a mobile device platform, specifically affecting the wlan firmware subsystem. The issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the firmware fails to properly validate incoming data inputs. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction to initiate the attack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, which typically runs with elevated privileges and has direct access to hardware resources. The absence of user interaction requirements significantly increases the exploitability of this vulnerability, as attackers can leverage it without needing to trick users into performing specific actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the wlan firmware processing routines. When the firmware receives malformed or unexpected data packets, it fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or buffer operations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a low level within the device's operating system, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over critical system functions. The patch identifier ALPS09001358 and issue identifier MSV-1599 indicate this vulnerability was addressed through firmware updates that likely implemented proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain persistent control over affected devices. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious applications, modify system configurations, or even disable security features. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this vulnerability could be exploited in automated attacks against large populations of devices, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. The firmware-level nature of this vulnerability also means that traditional application-based security measures may not be sufficient to protect against exploitation, as the attack occurs below the operating system layer where most endpoint protection solutions operate. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of privilege escalation and code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates as provided through the patch ALPS09001358, which addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network administrators should prioritize deploying these updates across all affected devices and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit the potential attack surface, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous wireless traffic patterns, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized firmware modifications. Organizations should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms to verify the integrity of firmware components and ensure that only authorized updates are installed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security in mobile device ecosystems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing at all levels of the system architecture. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical nature of secure firmware development practices and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in low-level system components.