CVE-2024-20879 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2024
Improper input validation vulnerability in libsavscmn.so prior to SMR Jun-2024 Release 1 allows local attackers to write out-of-bounds memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20879 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within the libsavscmn.so library component affecting systems prior to the SMR Jun-2024 Release 1. This issue resides in the foundational system libraries that handle various communication and management functions, making it particularly dangerous for local attackers who can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized memory operations. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers with local system access to perform out-of-bounds memory writes, which can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of flaw typically occurs when input data is not properly validated before being processed, allowing malicious inputs to bypass normal security checks and manipulate memory locations beyond their intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the libsavscmn.so library functions that process incoming data streams or configuration parameters. When legitimate input is processed without proper validation mechanisms, attackers can craft malicious inputs that cause the system to write data to memory locations that are not allocated for the intended purpose. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable behavior including system crashes, privilege escalation, or more severe exploitation scenarios where attackers can manipulate the execution flow of the affected system. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts. The out-of-bounds write primitive provides attackers with significant control over memory layout and can potentially be chained with other exploitation techniques to achieve full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20879 extends beyond simple system instability as local attackers with minimal privileges can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their access level and potentially gain administrative control over affected systems. Systems running versions prior to the SMR Jun-2024 Release 1 are particularly vulnerable since they lack the input validation patches that would prevent such memory corruption scenarios. The attack surface includes any application or service that relies on the affected libsavscmn.so library for communication management or system configuration tasks. Organizations using these vulnerable components face increased risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system takeover scenarios. The local nature of the attack means that attackers must already have access to the target system, but this initial access requirement does not mitigate the severity of potential exploitation outcomes. The vulnerability can be particularly concerning in environments where local user accounts have elevated privileges or where the affected systems are part of larger network infrastructures that could serve as entry points for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20879 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released as part of the SMR Jun-2024 Release 1. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected systems to eliminate the vulnerability at its source. In addition to patch management, system administrators should implement additional defensive measures including enhanced monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and input validation logging. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit local user access where possible, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls can help prevent lateral movement if an attacker does manage to exploit this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent out-of-bounds memory operations, though these should complement rather than replace proper patching. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in systems that may be related to similar input validation issues. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before full deployment to ensure that the updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or system configurations.