CVE-2024-34627 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Out-of-bounds read in parsing implemention in Samsung Notes prior to version 4.4.21.62 allows local attackers to potentially read memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-34627 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw discovered in Samsung Notes application prior to version 4.4.21.62. This issue resides within the parsing implementation component of the mobile application, which processes various data formats and user inputs. The vulnerability manifests when the application handles malformed or specially crafted input data during the parsing phase, leading to improper memory access patterns that extend beyond allocated buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds memory access represents a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers with malicious intent.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the Samsung Notes parsing engine. When processing user-created content or imported data, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data streams before attempting to parse them into memory buffers. This allows attackers to craft specific input sequences that cause the parsing routine to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vector that can potentially expose sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration, which specifically addresses improper validation of buffer boundaries during memory access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as local attackers with malicious intent can potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that may contain user credentials, application state information, or other confidential data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Samsung Notes is a widely used application for note-taking and document management, making it a valuable target for adversaries seeking to harvest user information. Memory contents accessed through this vulnerability could include personal notes, contact information, and potentially session tokens or other sensitive application data. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated privileges or where the application maintains access to sensitive system resources.
Security mitigations for CVE-2024-34627 primarily involve updating to Samsung Notes version 4.4.21.62 or later, which contains the patched parsing implementation that properly validates input boundaries and prevents out-of-bounds memory access. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the security update. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their applications updated and should avoid installing untrusted modifications or third-party applications that may interfere with the proper functioning of the note-taking application. Network administrators should monitor for any unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized modifications to the application environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and boundary checking in mobile applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers may leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems.