CVE-2024-27204 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In tmu_set_gov_active of tmu.c, 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 • 03/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27204 resides within the tmu_set_gov_active function in the tmu.c source file, representing a critical security flaw that enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs due to the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the function's implementation. The vulnerability specifically affects systems that utilize the tmu (thermal management unit) subsystem, where the function attempts to manipulate governance parameters without validating the boundaries of the data being processed.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write conditions as a common class of memory safety vulnerabilities. When the tmu_set_gov_active function processes input parameters, it fails to validate whether the supplied indices or array offsets remain within acceptable limits, creating an opportunity for malicious code to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical system structures or function pointers, providing an attacker with the means to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without requiring any form of social engineering or user engagement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the memory safety mechanisms of the thermal management subsystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain root access to affected systems, potentially compromising the entire device or server infrastructure. The implications are especially severe in embedded systems, servers, or mobile devices where the tmu subsystem controls critical thermal behavior and system power management functions. This vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate system behavior, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected platforms. The exploitation requires no additional privileges beyond normal user access, making it accessible to any local user with basic system permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27204 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through vendor-provided updates that implement proper bounds checking within the tmu_set_gov_active function. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential out-of-bounds write conditions within similar subsystems and implement automated code review processes that specifically target memory safety issues. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious system behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts can serve as an early detection mechanism for exploitation attempts.