CVE-2024-23697 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
In RGXCreateHWRTData_aux of rgxta3d.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the kernel with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23697 represents a critical security flaw within the kernel-level graphics driver component of the rgx3d subsystem. This issue manifests in the RGXCreateHWRTData_aux function located in the rgxta3d.c source file, where a use-after-free condition exists that can potentially be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing an attack vector that could enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and execute malicious code with kernel-level access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use-after-free error condition where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating opportunities for memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This flaw occurs within the graphics processing unit driver context, specifically during hardware render target data creation operations, suggesting that legitimate graphics processing activities could trigger the vulnerability. The use-after-free condition typically arises when a program continues to reference memory that has already been deallocated, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the freed memory or cause the system to jump to malicious code that has been placed in the freed memory location. The kernel-level nature of this vulnerability means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, as the attacker would be able to execute code with the highest privileges available to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and security posture, particularly in environments where graphics-intensive applications are commonly used. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker who has already gained access to a system through other means could leverage this vulnerability to obtain kernel-level privileges, potentially enabling them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The lack of user interaction requirements eliminates the need for social engineering or other attack vectors that might be required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within a compromised system. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where graphics processing is common and where multiple users might be running applications that could trigger the vulnerable code path.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and system updates from the vendor, as well as implementing additional security controls to limit potential exploitation. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available, as these patches will address the underlying use-after-free condition in the graphics driver component. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult, though these protections may not fully prevent exploitation of use-after-free conditions. Monitoring for unusual graphics processing activity or kernel-level behavior could also provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that network-based attacks are less likely to be directly possible, but the potential for privilege escalation once a system is compromised makes it essential to maintain strong access controls and implement least privilege principles throughout the system.