CVE-2024-20833 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2024
Use after free vulnerability in pub_crypto_recv_msg prior to SMR Mar-2024 Release 1 due to race condition allows local attackers with system privilege to cause memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20833 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the pub_crypto_recv_msg function of a cryptographic subsystem. This flaw exists in systems prior to the SMR March 2024 Release 1 and specifically affects environments where local attackers with system privileges can exploit the vulnerability. The issue stems from a race condition that occurs during message processing, creating a window where memory objects are freed while still being referenced by other processes or threads. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as use-after-free, which is a well-documented class of memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The race condition aspect of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes concurrent execution issues that can result in unpredictable behavior and security exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the cryptographic message handling subsystem where pub_crypto_recv_msg processes incoming messages without proper synchronization mechanisms. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory location simultaneously, the timing of these operations creates a scenario where one thread frees memory while another thread attempts to use that same memory location. This memory corruption can manifest in various ways including heap corruption, stack corruption, or more severe system crashes that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The local attacker requirement means that exploitation typically occurs within the same system context, though the impact can be severe given the system privilege level needed for exploitation.
Operational impact of CVE-2024-20833 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it creates potential for complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with system privileges, effectively allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain full control over affected systems. This represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where system-level privileges are often required for legitimate administrative tasks. The timing-sensitive nature of the race condition makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to detect and mitigate, as it may not manifest consistently under normal operating conditions. Security monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or potential exploitation attempts related to cryptographic message handling functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20833 should prioritize immediate patching to the SMR March 2024 Release 1 or equivalent security updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive memory safety monitoring and runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent use-after-free conditions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a high-priority target for defensive security measures. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar race condition vulnerabilities in cryptographic implementations, as these issues often occur in complex multi-threaded environments where proper synchronization is critical for maintaining system integrity and security.