CVE-2024-31314 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
In multiple functions of ShortcutService.java, there is a possible persistent DOS due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31314 resides within the ShortcutService.java component where multiple functions exhibit problematic resource management behaviors that can lead to persistent denial of service conditions. This issue manifests through resource exhaustion mechanisms that can be exploited locally without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. The vulnerability falls under the category of resource exhaustion attacks where malicious actors can systematically deplete system resources to render services unavailable.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate resource management within the ShortcutService.java implementation where functions fail to properly handle resource allocation and deallocation cycles. This deficiency creates opportunities for attackers to consume excessive system resources such as memory, file descriptors, or thread pools through repeated calls to vulnerable functions. The persistent nature of this denial of service means that once exploited, the system resources remain depleted until manual intervention occurs or the system is restarted, creating sustained operational disruptions.
From an operational impact standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system availability and stability. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to cause sustained service interruptions that may affect critical system functions or user productivity. The lack of requirement for additional execution privileges or user interaction means that any local user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, increasing the attack surface and reducing the barrier to successful exploitation. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation is not required.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-400 which specifically addresses resource exhaustion issues in software implementations. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers resource exhaustion attacks and can be classified under the broader category of denial of service operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the system service level where persistent resource consumption can lead to cascading failures affecting multiple dependent services and applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper resource management practices within the ShortcutService.java functions, including implementing resource limits, proper garbage collection mechanisms, and establishing bounds on resource consumption. Code reviews should specifically target the identified functions to ensure adequate resource cleanup and allocation controls are in place. Additionally, system administrators should monitor resource utilization patterns to detect anomalous consumption that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of rate limiting and resource quotas can provide additional protection layers against this type of persistent denial of service attack. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar resource management issues in other system components and ensure comprehensive protection against resource exhaustion threats.