CVE-2024-27226 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In tmu_config_gov_params 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 • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27226 resides within the tmu_config_gov_params function of an unspecified system component, representing a critical security flaw that could enable local privilege escalation. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs due to the absence of proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. The flaw exists in the kernel-level subsystem responsible for managing governor parameters, suggesting it operates within a privileged execution context where such vulnerabilities can have severe consequences for system integrity and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the tmu_config_gov_params function, which processes configuration parameters for thermal management units. When the system receives input parameters without proper boundary verification, malicious actors can craft inputs that exceed allocated memory buffers, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices are not properly validated before use. The absence of bounds checking creates a predictable exploitation vector where an attacker can manipulate memory layout to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This means that any user with access to the system can potentially leverage this flaw to gain root-level access, fundamentally compromising the system's security model. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the exploitability factor, as the vulnerability can be triggered automatically through system operations or by any process running with standard user privileges. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves Local Privilege Escalation through kernel exploits, making it a prime target for both malicious actors seeking system compromise and security researchers analyzing kernel-level vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27226 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the tmu_config_gov_params function and related thermal management subsystems. The primary remediation involves adding proper input validation to ensure that all parameter values fall within expected ranges before processing, effectively preventing the out-of-bounds write condition. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability, as the fix typically involves implementing memory safety checks and validating parameter boundaries. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security audits and code reviews focusing on kernel subsystems, particularly those handling configuration parameters and system management functions. Given the nature of the flaw, continuous monitoring for similar patterns in other system components is recommended to prevent analogous vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations.