CVE-2024-25988 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In SAEMM_DiscloseGuti of SAEMM_RadioMessageCodec.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25988 resides within the SAEMM_DiscloseGuti function of the SAEMM_RadioMessageCodec.c file, representing a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that compromises system security. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in input validation processes. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes radio messages without adequate validation of array indices or buffer boundaries, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds validation within the SAEMM_DiscloseGuti function, which is responsible for handling GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) disclosure operations in mobile network communications. When processing incoming radio messages containing GUTI information, the function fails to verify that array access operations remain within legitimate memory boundaries. This missing validation creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious radio messages that trigger memory access violations, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level within the radio message processing stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard network communication channels without requiring any special privileges or user interaction.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to mobile network infrastructure and the confidentiality of user data. The remote information disclosure capability means that attackers can potentially access sensitive telecommunications data including user location information, authentication tokens, and other confidential network parameters without requiring any additional execution privileges or user engagement. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically through network-based attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including user tracking, authentication bypass attempts, and network reconnaissance activities that could compromise the entire mobile network ecosystem.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25988 should prioritize immediate code-level fixes that implement proper bounds checking mechanisms within the SAEMM_DiscloseGuti function. Developers must ensure that all array access operations include validation checks that verify indices remain within acceptable ranges before any memory access occurs. This approach aligns with the principle of defensive programming and addresses the root cause identified in CWE-129 by implementing proper input validation. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous radio message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar bounds checking vulnerabilities throughout the codebase, particularly in functions that handle network protocol processing and message parsing operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in telecommunications systems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.