CVE-2024-23711 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
In DevmemXIntUnreserveRange of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the kernel with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23711 represents a critical security flaw within the kernel-level device memory management subsystem of a specific operating system implementation. This issue manifests in the devicemem_server.c source file where the DevmemXIntUnreserveRange function contains a logic error that creates an avenue for arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists at the intersection of kernel memory management and privilege escalation mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of system operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a logic error within the memory reservation and unreservation process that governs how kernel memory regions are managed. When the DevmemXIntUnreserveRange function processes memory range unreservations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that control memory access permissions. This logic flaw creates a condition where malicious actors can manipulate memory reservation states to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces, effectively bypassing normal privilege boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-252, which addresses "Unchecked Return Value" and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and state management within kernel code. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of a privilege escalation vulnerability where an attacker can leverage improper state handling to execute code with kernel-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the system security posture. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be triggered automatically through existing system processes or by any local user with minimal privileges. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker who gains access to a system with basic user privileges can potentially elevate their access level to kernel level without requiring additional authentication or specialized tools. This creates a significant risk for systems where local access might be compromised through social engineering, phishing attacks, or other means of initial access. The vulnerability affects the fundamental integrity of the kernel memory management system and can potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patch that corrects the logic error in the DevmemXIntUnreserveRange function and implements proper input validation and state management. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running kernel versions that include the vulnerable devicemem_server.c implementation. Additionally, implementing kernel memory protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization kASLR, kernel module signing requirements, and strict memory access controls can provide defense-in-depth protection. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious memory reservation patterns and implementing runtime integrity checks to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and demonstrates how kernel-level logic errors can create persistent security weaknesses that require comprehensive system-level remediation rather than simple configuration changes.