CVE-2024-32922 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
In gpu_pm_power_on_top_nolock of pixel_gpu_power.c, there is a possible compromise of protected memory due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege to TEE with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32922 resides within the gpu_pm_power_on_top_nolock function in the pixel_gpu_power.c source file, representing a critical flaw in the Android graphics processing unit power management subsystem. This issue manifests as a logic error that compromises protected memory integrity, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive memory regions. The vulnerability specifically affects the Trusted Execution Environment TEE component, which operates as a secure sandboxed environment separate from the main operating system. The flaw occurs during GPU power management operations when the system attempts to transition the graphics processing unit from a powered-off state to an active state without proper locking mechanisms. This logic error creates a window where memory protection boundaries can be violated, enabling malicious code to access memory areas that should remain restricted to the TEE.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate synchronization mechanisms within the power management code path. When the gpu_pm_power_on_top_nolock function executes, it fails to properly acquire necessary locks before accessing shared memory structures that control GPU power states. This race condition allows for concurrent access to protected memory regions, potentially enabling an attacker to manipulate memory contents or read sensitive data that should remain isolated within the TEE environment. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android graphics driver framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any local user with minimal privileges. The absence of required lock acquisition during power state transitions creates an exploitable condition where memory protection mechanisms can be bypassed through careful timing and memory manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32922 is severe and potentially catastrophic for device security, as it enables local privilege escalation to the Trusted Execution Environment without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. An attacker with local access to a device running affected Android versions can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the TEE, potentially accessing sensitive cryptographic keys, secure storage areas, or other protected system components. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically during normal device operation, especially during GPU power management events. The vulnerability affects devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and other systems implementing similar GPU power management code, potentially compromising millions of devices worldwide. This flaw represents a significant regression in Android security architecture, as it undermines the fundamental isolation properties that the TEE is designed to maintain.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32922 must focus on both immediate patch deployment and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar logic errors. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate security updates that implement proper locking mechanisms within the gpu_pm_power_on_top_nolock function, ensuring that all memory access operations during GPU power state transitions are properly synchronized. The fix should incorporate appropriate mutex or spinlock acquisition before accessing shared memory regions, preventing race conditions that lead to protected memory compromise. System administrators and security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through anomaly detection systems that monitor GPU power management operations and unusual memory access patterns. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments of kernel-level code to identify similar logic errors that could create similar privilege escalation paths. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability impacts adherence to security standards such as those defined in CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in concurrent programming, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel code and the potential for seemingly minor logic errors to create significant security breaches.