CVE-2024-27383 in Exynos 980
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2024
An issue was discovered in Samsung Mobile Processor Exynos 980, Exynos 850, Exynos 1280, Exynos 1380, and Exynos 1330. In the function slsi_get_scan_extra_ies(), there is no input validation check on default_ies coming from userspace, which can lead to a heap overwrite.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27383 affects Samsung mobile processors including the Exynos 980, Exynos 850, Exynos 1280, Exynos 1380, and Exynos 1330 chipsets. This issue resides within the wireless networking subsystem of these mobile processors, specifically in the slsi_get_scan_extra_ies() function that handles wireless scan information elements. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that occurs when processing user-supplied data without proper validation checks. The affected function receives default_ies parameter from userspace, which contains wireless network information elements that are typically used during wireless scanning operations. This lack of input validation creates a critical security gap that allows malicious actors to potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions in the heap, leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-121, which describes stack buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap buffer overflow conditions. The flaw operates at the intersection of kernel-level drivers and userspace applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through legitimate wireless scanning operations that occur during normal device usage. The heap overwrite condition arises because the function processes user-provided data without verifying the size or content of the default_ies parameter, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shellcode execution, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the heap corruption can potentially be leveraged to gain elevated privileges within the device's operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27383 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can enable sophisticated attack scenarios including persistent backdoor installation and complete system compromise. Mobile devices running affected processors are vulnerable to attacks that can occur during routine wireless network scanning activities, which happen frequently during device operation. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that wireless scanning is an automated process that occurs without user intervention, making it difficult to detect when malicious input is being processed. Attackers could potentially craft specially formatted wireless network information elements that, when processed by the vulnerable function, would trigger the heap overwrite condition. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for enterprise security, as it could be exploited to compromise mobile devices in corporate environments, potentially providing attackers with access to sensitive business data and internal network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27383 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Samsung, as the vulnerability requires changes to the processor's wireless driver components that are typically delivered through over-the-air updates or device firmware upgrades. Network administrators should implement network-level monitoring to detect unusual wireless scanning patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on malformed wireless information elements. Device users should ensure their mobile devices are running the latest firmware versions and avoid connecting to untrusted wireless networks that could be used to deliver malicious scan data. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in embedded systems, particularly in mobile processor architectures where kernel-level functions must process data from multiple untrusted sources. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments of mobile device fleets to identify affected devices and prioritize remediation efforts, while also implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.