CVE-2024-27213 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In BroadcastSystemMessage of servicemgr.cpp, there is a possible Remote Code Execution due to a use after free. 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-2024-27213 represents a critical security flaw within the service manager component of a system architecture that handles broadcast messages. This issue manifests in the BroadcastSystemMessage function located within the servicemgr.cpp source file, where a use after free condition has been detected. The fundamental nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices that allow an attacker to manipulate freed memory locations, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists at the core level of system service management, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within privileged system processes that handle critical communication pathways between various system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic use after free scenario where memory allocated to a broadcast message object is freed from the system heap, but subsequent operations attempt to access or manipulate that same memory location. This memory corruption can be exploited through carefully crafted broadcast messages that trigger the vulnerable code path. The attacker does not require any user interaction to exploit this vulnerability, which significantly increases its attack surface and potential impact. The exploitation process leverages the inherent privilege escalation capabilities that arise from the vulnerable service manager component, allowing an attacker to gain elevated system privileges without requiring initial access credentials or user consent. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local system exploits, and CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions in memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27213 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise through local privilege escalation. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, effectively bypassing all standard security controls and access restrictions. The vulnerability's ability to function without user interaction makes it particularly dangerous in environments where system services are continuously running and processing broadcast messages from various sources. This flaw could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, modify critical system files, disable security features, or extract sensitive data from the compromised system. The implications are severe for enterprise environments where system integrity and security are paramount, as this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems without requiring any form of initial compromise or user engagement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27213 must focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor-provided security updates as soon as they become available, as these patches typically address the underlying memory management issues that create the use after free condition. Additionally, implementing robust memory safety practices such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and heap metadata validation can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough system monitoring to detect any anomalous broadcast message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also implementing proper access controls to restrict which components can send broadcast messages to the vulnerable service manager. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar memory corruption issues that may exist within the broader system architecture, aligning with industry best practices for preventing similar vulnerabilities categorized under CWE-416 and addressing ATT&CK tactics related to privilege escalation and execution.