CVE-2024-25993 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In tmu_reset_tmu_trip_counter of TBD, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25993 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the tmu_reset_tmu_trip_counter function of an unspecified system component. This issue stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate array or buffer access limits before write operations occur. The flaw exists in the kernel-level subsystem responsible for thermal management unit operations, specifically affecting trip counter reset functionality. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is a well-documented weakness in software development where programs write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of an array or buffer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where unprivileged users have access to the system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to manipulate memory structures that control thermal management operations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when the vulnerable function is invoked, typically during system thermal event handling or monitoring operations. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK matrix under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries can leverage system-level weaknesses to gain elevated access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can compromise the integrity of thermal management systems that are critical for hardware stability and safety. When exploited, the out-of-bounds write can corrupt adjacent memory regions, potentially affecting other system components or causing system instability and crashes. The vulnerability affects systems where thermal management units are actively monitored and controlled, particularly in embedded systems, servers, or devices where temperature regulation is crucial for proper operation. The lack of additional execution privileges needed for exploitation means that even users with minimal system access can potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain root or administrator level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25993 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the affected function and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other system components. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation and can be leveraged by any local user. The fix should involve adding validation checks to ensure that array indices or buffer offsets remain within acceptable limits before write operations occur. Additionally, implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts through system logs and security information event management systems, as the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access to compromised systems.