CVE-2024-29787 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
In lwis_process_transactions_in_queue of lwis_transaction.c, there is a possible use after free due to a use after free. 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 • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29787 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the lwis_process_transactions_in_queue function of the lwis_transaction.c source file. This flaw manifests as a memory safety issue where program code attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation. The vulnerability resides in the lwis transaction processing subsystem, which handles queue-based transaction management in a manner that fails to properly validate memory state before subsequent access operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the transaction processing loop. When lwis_process_transactions_in_queue processes queued transactions, it appears to free memory resources associated with transaction objects without ensuring that all references to those objects have been properly invalidated or cleared. This creates a window where subsequent code paths may attempt to access the freed memory region, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. The condition is particularly dangerous because it occurs within a privileged processing context where transaction handling typically involves sensitive system operations and data management.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirements significantly increases the attack surface and exploitability, as attackers can leverage this condition through normal system operations without needing to trick users into performing specific actions. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker with local access to potentially elevate their privileges to system-level access, which could enable complete system compromise. This represents a serious security risk for systems where local users might have access to the affected software, particularly in multi-user environments or systems where unprivileged users could gain local execution capabilities.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. This weakness category encompasses memory management errors where program code accesses memory after it has been freed, creating potential for information disclosure, denial of service, or arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as the flaw directly enables local privilege escalation without additional attack vectors. The exploitability characteristics make this particularly concerning for environments where local access is common or where attackers can potentially gain footholds through other means that could then leverage this privilege escalation capability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29787 should focus on implementing proper memory management practices within the lwis_transaction.c module. The primary fix involves ensuring that all references to freed memory are properly cleared or invalidated before the memory is released, and that subsequent access checks are performed to prevent use-after-free conditions. Additionally, implementing proper bounds checking and memory validation routines before any access to transaction objects would help prevent exploitation. System administrators should also consider applying patches or updates provided by the software vendor immediately, as this vulnerability represents a high-severity threat that could be actively exploited in the wild. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory management practices should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the system.