CVE-2024-29751 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2024
In asn1_ec_pkey_parse_p384 of asn1_common.c, there is a possible OOB Read due to a missing null check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29751 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the ASN.1 parsing functionality of cryptographic libraries, specifically affecting the p384 elliptic curve key parsing implementation. This flaw exists in the asn1_ec_pkey_parse_p384 function located within the asn1_common.c source file, where a missing null termination check creates an exploitable memory access pattern that can be leveraged by local attackers to extract sensitive information from memory locations adjacent to the parsed key data structure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the parsing of elliptic curve public keys, particularly those utilizing the P-384 curve parameters as defined in the NIST SP 894-3 standard.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the ASN.1 parser processes elliptic curve public key data structures without proper validation of string termination within the parsed data. The missing null check allows the parsing routine to continue reading memory beyond the intended data boundaries, potentially accessing uninitialized memory regions or adjacent data structures that may contain sensitive cryptographic information, session tokens, or other confidential data. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-125 Out-of-Bounds Read classification, which is categorized under the broader category of memory safety issues in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through system commands and T1552.001 for credential access through data hijacking, as the information disclosure can potentially expose cryptographic keys or other sensitive materials.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-29751 is significant for systems utilizing cryptographic libraries that implement ASN.1 parsing for elliptic curve cryptography, particularly those handling P-384 keys in TLS implementations, digital signature verification, or certificate processing scenarios. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal cryptographic operations. The local information disclosure aspect means that an attacker with basic system access can potentially extract sensitive data that should remain protected, including but not limited to cryptographic key material, internal memory structures, or other confidential information that may be present in adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where cryptographic libraries are used for secure communications, authentication systems, or any application requiring robust key management and secure data handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29751 should prioritize immediate patching of affected cryptographic libraries and applications that utilize the vulnerable ASN.1 parsing routines. System administrators should ensure that all instances of the affected software are updated to versions that include proper null termination checks and bounds validation in the key parsing functions. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for anomalous cryptographic operations that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around key parsing and certificate processing functions. The implementation of address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other memory protection mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of cryptographic implementations and input validation routines should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the system. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation of similar out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that network-based attacks are not required, making it essential to maintain strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized local access to systems that may be running affected cryptographic libraries.