CVE-2024-25991 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In acpm_tmu_ipc_handler of tmu_plugin.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25991 resides within the acpm_tmu_ipc_handler function of the tmu_plugin.c file, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that fundamentally undermines system security. This flaw manifests as a missing bounds check during memory access operations, creating an exploitable pathway where malicious actors can read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects systems utilizing the thermal management unit plugin component, which handles inter-process communication for temperature monitoring and control functions. The absence of proper input validation and boundary checking in this IPC handler creates a scenario where arbitrary memory reads can occur without requiring elevated privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for embedded systems and automotive applications where such components are prevalent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the acpm_tmu_ipc_handler function, which processes incoming inter-process communication messages related to thermal management data. When the system receives IPC messages containing temperature monitoring parameters, the code fails to verify that the requested data indices or buffer offsets remain within acceptable bounds. This missing bounds check creates a condition where a crafted IPC message could cause the function to access memory locations that are not properly allocated or accessible, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The flaw aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of the length, size, or count of data structures, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory safety issues. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level or system driver interface, making it particularly impactful for automotive and industrial control systems where thermal management directly affects system stability and safety.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25991 extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential risks for system integrity and confidentiality across various automotive and embedded platforms. Local information disclosure through this vulnerability allows attackers to potentially extract sensitive data such as system configuration parameters, memory addresses, or other confidential information that may be stored in adjacent memory locations. This information could be leveraged for further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or more sophisticated attacks targeting other system components. The vulnerability's accessibility without user interaction or additional execution privileges makes it particularly concerning for automotive systems where the thermal management unit controls critical functions such as engine temperature monitoring, battery management, and cooling system controls. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into system behavior, potentially enabling more targeted attacks against other components within the same system domain. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, where adversaries can access sensitive information through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25991 must focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking and input validation within the affected IPC handler function. The primary remediation involves adding proper boundary validation to ensure that all memory access operations within acpm_tmu_ipc_handler verify that requested indices and buffer offsets remain within valid ranges before proceeding with memory operations. This approach directly addresses the underlying CWE-129 vulnerability by implementing defensive programming practices that prevent out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should also implement firmware updates and patches provided by vendors, as these typically include the necessary code modifications to properly validate input parameters and enforce buffer boundaries. Additional security measures may include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on IPC handler implementations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the system's software components, particularly in automotive and embedded systems where such interfaces are prevalent. The vulnerability's nature as a local information disclosure makes it particularly important to maintain proper access controls and system monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts.