CVE-2024-24260 in media-server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2024
media-server v1.0.0 was discovered to contain a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability via the sip_subscribe_remove function at /uac/sip-uac-subscribe.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24260 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the media-server software version 1.0.0. This flaw specifically manifests in the sip_subscribe_remove function located at /uac/sip-uac-subscribe.c, creating a scenario where memory previously deallocated by the application can still be accessed or manipulated by subsequent operations. The issue arises from improper memory management practices where the software fails to properly invalidate pointers or reset memory references after objects have been freed, leaving potential attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) user agent client component within the media-server architecture. When the sip_subscribe_remove function processes subscription removal requests, it appears to release memory resources associated with subscription objects without ensuring that all references to those objects are properly cleared or invalidated. This creates a window of opportunity where an attacker could potentially control the memory layout and manipulate freed memory blocks, leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of network protocol handling and memory management, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the media-server processes external SIP traffic.
From an operational perspective, this use-after-free vulnerability poses significant risks to systems utilizing the affected media-server version. Attackers could exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SIP subscription removal requests that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially leading to remote code execution on the target system. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as successful exploitation could allow adversaries to gain full control over the media-server process, potentially escalating to broader system compromise. This vulnerability affects organizations relying on SIP-based communication systems where the media-server handles subscription management for VoIP services, making it particularly concerning for enterprise communication infrastructures and service providers.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations, and represents a classic example of improper memory management that can be exploited through various attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and potentially T1566 for initial access through network services. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the media-server to version 1.0.1 or later, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious SIP traffic patterns. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed SIP subscription removal requests can provide early warning capabilities. The recommended remediation strategy involves thorough code review of memory management practices, implementation of proper pointer invalidation mechanisms, and comprehensive testing of all SIP-related functions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.