CVE-2024-20844 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2024
Out-of-bounds write vulnerability while parsing remaining codewords in libsavsac.so prior to SMR Apr-2024 Release 1 allows local attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20844 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the libsavsac.so library component that precedes the SMR Apr-2024 Release 1. This issue manifests during the parsing of remaining codewords within the audio processing framework, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects systems utilizing the affected library version, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems and mobile devices that rely on this audio processing functionality. The out-of-bounds write condition occurs when the system processes audio data containing malformed codeword sequences, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the codeword parsing routine of the libsavsac.so library. When the parser encounters unexpected or malformed data sequences, it fails to validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing subsequent write operations to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to overwriting critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow scenario, though specifically manifested as an out-of-bounds write rather than a traditional buffer overflow, which makes it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through standard security scanning mechanisms. The flaw directly corresponds to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is categorized under the broader category of memory safety issues in software development.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2024-20844 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a local attacker with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. This means that an attacker who has already gained access to a system through other means could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and potentially gain root access or full system control. The local nature of the attack reduces the attack surface complexity, as it does not require network connectivity or remote exploitation vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize the affected library for audio processing, which includes smartphones, tablets, embedded systems, and other devices that process audio data through this specific library component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20844 primarily focus on updating to the patched SMR Apr-2024 Release 1 or later versions where the bounds checking has been properly implemented. System administrators should prioritize patching affected devices and verifying that the updated libraries are properly installed and functioning. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap-based memory protection mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running the affected library version and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Local Privilege Escalation, and T1059, which encompasses Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through command-line interfaces or scripting mechanisms. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the audio processing pipeline or related system libraries.