CVE-2024-22008 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In config_gov_time_windows of tmu.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22008 resides within the configuration management subsystem of a software component, specifically in the tmu.c file where the config_gov_time_windows function operates. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation. The issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before writing data to memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions, making it a direct descendant of well-known software security weaknesses that have been documented in the industry for decades.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the time window configuration management functionality where the system processes time-related parameters without proper boundary checks. When the config_gov_time_windows function receives input parameters, it fails to validate whether the supplied values fall within acceptable ranges for array indexing or buffer allocation. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where malicious input could cause the program to write data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. The flaw does not require any special user interaction or additional execution privileges, meaning that any local user with access to the system could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-22008 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a direct pathway for local privilege escalation that could allow attackers to gain administrative or root-level access to the affected system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without any human intervention. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers for exploitation. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker could potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. The absence of additional execution privileges needed for exploitation indicates that this vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers who already have basic system access, making it a particularly concerning weakness in security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22008 should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the affected software component. The most effective approach involves adding comprehensive boundary validation checks before any array indexing or memory write operations occur in the config_gov_time_windows function. This includes implementing proper parameter validation, ensuring that all input values are within acceptable ranges before processing, and adding defensive programming practices such as buffer overflow detection mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available, as these typically contain the necessary code modifications to address the out-of-bounds write condition. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly suitable for automated exploitation, so proactive patch management and system hardening measures are essential for maintaining overall system security posture.