CVE-2024-27224 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In strncpy of strncpy.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-2024-27224 resides within the strncpy function implementation in the strncpy.c source file, representing a critical security flaw that undermines memory safety mechanisms in affected systems. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition that occurs when the function fails to properly validate input boundaries before performing memory operations. The flaw specifically targets the boundary checking logic that should prevent writes beyond allocated memory regions, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes unsafe array indexing conditions where memory operations exceed their intended boundaries. The missing bounds check in strncpy creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input parameters to cause writes beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions that can be particularly dangerous when they occur in system-level functions that are frequently invoked during normal operation. The flaw operates at the kernel level or system library layer, making it especially concerning for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27224 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous since it can be exploited automatically by malicious processes running with standard user privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements means that the exploit can be triggered through automated means, potentially allowing attackers to elevate their privileges to root or administrative levels without detection. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on the strncpy function for string operations, which is a fundamental component in many operating system implementations and applications.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving system-level memory corruption. The exploitability of this flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign library functions can become attack vectors when proper input validation is omitted. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of stack canaries and address space layout randomization, and comprehensive code review of all string handling functions to identify similar boundary checking deficiencies. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous code auditing and static analysis tools in identifying such subtle but critical security flaws that can compromise entire system architectures through seemingly simple function implementations.