CVE-2024-32669 in Escargot
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Samsung Open Source escargot JavaScript engine allows Overflow Buffers. However, it occurs in the test code and does not include in the release.
This issue affects escargot: 4.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2024
The CVE-2024-32669 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition within Samsung's Open Source escargot JavaScript engine version 4.0.0. This flaw manifests as an improper input validation error that creates potential for memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the JavaScript engine's handling of input data during processing operations, where insufficient validation allows maliciously crafted inputs to exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The escargot engine serves as a core component in Samsung's web browser implementations and other JavaScript-based applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile and embedded systems.
Technical analysis reveals this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where input validation fails to properly check the size of incoming data against predetermined buffer limits. The flaw occurs during the processing of JavaScript code execution, where the engine allocates fixed-size buffers for various operations including string handling, array manipulation, and memory allocation tasks. When malicious input exceeds these predetermined buffer sizes, it can overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program data or executing arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows depending on the specific memory allocation patterns involved. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution and T1203 for input validation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges, execute malicious code, or cause application crashes that might be exploited for more sophisticated attacks. Given that this vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine that powers Samsung's mobile browsers and web applications, it creates potential attack vectors through web-based exploitation. The fact that this issue occurs in test code but was not excluded from the release indicates a critical oversight in the software development lifecycle, suggesting potential gaps in security testing and quality assurance processes. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability through malicious web pages, crafted JavaScript payloads, or by exploiting the engine's interaction with other components in Samsung's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the escargot JavaScript engine to version 4.0.1 or later, which includes the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent exploitation attempts through web-based attacks. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as enabling sandboxing, disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, and implementing strict content security policies can reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing in all code variants including test environments, as vulnerabilities present in non-production code can still pose significant risks when accidentally included in release builds. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar oversights in the future, particularly focusing on input validation mechanisms and buffer management practices within JavaScript engines.