CVE-2024-24475 in QEMU
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
An issue in Qemu before v.8.2.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the contrib/elf2dmp/pdb.c, pdb_get_file_size(const struct pdb_reader *r, unsigned idx) component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
The vulnerability exists within the qemu virtualization platform affecting versions prior to 8.2.0 and specifically targets the contrib/elf2dmp/pdb.c component where the pdb_get_file_size function processes data from program database files. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities within the context of the qemu process. The issue stems from insufficient input validation when processing debug information files, particularly those associated with windows debugging symbols that are commonly used in software development and reverse engineering contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the pdb_get_file_size function which fails to properly validate the size parameter extracted from the program database reader structure. When processing maliciously crafted pdb files, the function does not adequately check bounds before performing operations that could lead to memory corruption. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-121 category for stack-based buffer overflow or CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write conditions that are commonly exploited in virtualization environments where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to systems running qemu virtual machines as attackers could remotely upload malicious pdb files and trigger the exploitable code path without requiring local access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the elf2dmp utility which is often used in debugging and forensics scenarios where such files might be processed automatically by virtualization software. This vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script interpreter, specifically when attackers leverage the execution environment to gain code execution through memory corruption primitives.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the virtualized environment, potentially compromising the entire host system if proper isolation boundaries are not maintained. The remote exploitation capability means that systems processing pdb files from untrusted sources could be immediately compromised without any user interaction required. Organizations using qemu for virtual machine management, software development environments, or debugging scenarios should consider this vulnerability particularly dangerous due to its potential for automated exploitation and the widespread use of qemu across various platforms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to qemu 8.2.0 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation in the pdb_get_file_size function. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent processing of untrusted pdb files, particularly those received from external sources or automatically downloaded during software development processes. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of systems running qemu to potentially malicious inputs, while regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist in the qemu codebase or associated utilities that might present similar attack surfaces for exploitation by remote adversaries.