CVE-2024-20105 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 01/06/2025
In m4u, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09062027; Issue ID: MSV-1743.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20105 affects the m4u component within Android systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that could enable local privilege escalation. This issue stems from a missing bounds check in the m4u implementation, which is responsible for memory management and virtual memory translation operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without user interaction, making it a latent threat that requires only existing system-level access to become active. The m4u component serves as a crucial bridge between hardware memory management units and software memory allocation, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to elevate their privileges within the system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-787 category, which defines out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. This specific implementation flaw in the m4u subsystem allows for memory corruption that can potentially overwrite critical system structures or data segments. The vulnerability's exploitation path begins with an attacker already possessing system privileges, which is a significant consideration for threat modeling and risk assessment. The patch ID ALPS09062027 and issue ID MSV-1743 indicate this vulnerability was identified within the Android Linux kernel's memory management subsystem, specifically affecting MediaTek-based devices that utilize the m4u driver for memory translation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain deeper system control and access to sensitive data. When an attacker with system-level privileges can leverage this flaw, they may be able to modify critical kernel memory structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise or the ability to bypass security mechanisms. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in persistent threat scenarios where attackers may have already established footholds within the system. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Windows Privilege Escalation' and 'Linux Privilege Escalation' domains where attackers seek to gain higher-level system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20105 should prioritize immediate patch deployment, as the vulnerability is not exploitable without existing system privileges but can be leveraged to gain further access. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory management operations and kernel-level activities. The vulnerability's nature suggests that attackers could potentially use it to create persistent backdoors or modify system binaries, making defensive measures such as kernel module integrity checks and memory protection mechanisms essential. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may be vulnerable due to outdated kernel versions or unpatched device drivers, as the m4u subsystem's implementation varies across different hardware platforms and kernel versions.