CVE-2024-27229 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In ss_SendCallBarringPwdRequiredIndMsg of ss_CallBarring.c, there is a possible null pointer deref due to a missing null check. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27229 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the ss_SendCallBarringPwdRequiredIndMsg function located in the ss_CallBarring.c source file. This issue stems from an inadequate null pointer validation mechanism that fails to properly verify pointer integrity before dereferencing operations. The flaw exists within the telephony call barring functionality of a communication system, specifically affecting the handling of password required indication messages during call barring procedures. The absence of proper null checks creates a scenario where a malicious actor can trigger a system crash or service disruption through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been validated for null status. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-476 NULL Pointer Dereference, which is a well-documented weakness that occurs when software attempts to access memory through a pointer that contains a null value. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the signaling component of telephony services, where call barring functionality is managed. When the system receives specific call barring messages without proper null pointer validation, it proceeds to execute dereference operations on uninitialized or invalid pointers, leading to immediate system termination or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27229 extends beyond simple service disruption as it enables remote denial of service attacks without requiring any elevated privileges or user interaction. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where telephony services are exposed to external communication channels. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted call barring indication messages that trigger the null pointer dereference condition, resulting in system crashes that prevent legitimate users from accessing call barring services. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the security triad, compromising the system's ability to provide continuous service to authorized users. The remote exploitability factor aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 Network Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to disrupt service availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27229 should focus on implementing comprehensive null pointer validation mechanisms throughout the affected codebase. The primary remediation involves adding explicit null checks before any pointer dereference operations within the ss_SendCallBarringPwdRequiredIndMsg function and related call barring procedures. Security patches should enforce proper input validation and ensure that all pointers are verified for null status before memory access operations. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous call barring message patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should follow secure coding practices as recommended by industry standards including OWASP Secure Coding Practices and CERT Secure Coding guidelines. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable telephony services to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar null pointer dereference vulnerabilities within the broader codebase, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors that may exist in other system components.