CVE-2024-32892 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
In handle_init of goodix/main/main.c, there is a possible memory corruption due to type confusion. 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-2024-32892 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Goodix touchscreen driver component, specifically within the handle_init function located in the goodix/main/main.c source file. This type confusion vulnerability arises from improper handling of data types during the initialization process of the touchscreen driver, creating a scenario where the kernel's memory management becomes compromised. The flaw manifests when the driver processes initialization parameters without adequate type validation, allowing malicious data structures to be interpreted as different data types than originally intended. This type confusion creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate kernel memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters during the initialization phase of the Goodix touchscreen device. When the handle_init function processes incoming data structures, it appears to assume a specific data type without performing sufficient type checking or validation. This oversight allows an attacker to craft malicious input that, when processed by the function, causes the kernel to interpret memory locations as different types than expected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the kernel space context where the touchscreen driver runs, making it a prime candidate for privilege escalation attacks. The lack of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when the device is initialized, without any need for physical access or user engagement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to represent a serious threat to system integrity and security. An attacker who can trigger this vulnerability gains the ability to perform local privilege escalation from standard user privileges to kernel-level privileges without requiring any additional attack vectors or execution privileges. This creates a significant risk for devices running affected Goodix touchscreen drivers, particularly in mobile devices, embedded systems, and IoT devices where touchscreen functionality is prevalent. The vulnerability can potentially be exploited to gain root access, install malicious software, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. The attack surface is particularly broad since touchscreen drivers are commonly present in numerous device types and are often loaded during system boot processes, making exploitation possible even during normal device operation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32892 should focus on immediate patching of the affected driver components and implementation of additional runtime protections. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Goodix touchscreen drivers to versions that include proper type validation and input sanitization mechanisms. The fix should implement comprehensive type checking within the handle_init function to ensure that all incoming data structures are properly validated before processing. Additionally, kernel-level protections such as stack canaries, memory sanitization, and control flow integrity checks should be enabled to prevent exploitation attempts. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-467 and CWE-121 categories related to improper handling of data types and buffer overflow conditions. The threat landscape for this vulnerability intersects with ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation and kernel-mode exploitation, making it a critical concern for organizations managing devices with Goodix touchscreen components. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior in touchscreen driver initialization processes that could indicate exploitation attempts.