CVE-2024-34628 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Out-of-bounds read in applying binary with path 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 identified as CVE-2024-34628 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw discovered in Samsung Notes application prior to version 4.4.21.62. This issue manifests when the application processes binary files with specific path structures, creating a potential avenue for local attackers to access memory regions beyond the intended bounds. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and specifically aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure or system instability. The flaw exists within the application's file processing logic where it fails to properly validate input paths or binary data structures before attempting to access memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers with local system access to manipulate file paths or binary content in a manner that triggers the out-of-bounds memory access. When Samsung Notes processes a binary file with a specially crafted path, the application's memory management routines do not adequately check array or buffer boundaries before reading data. This behavior creates opportunities for attackers to potentially read sensitive memory contents that should remain protected, including potentially confidential data, system information, or even code execution metadata. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only local system access, making it exploitable by users who already have legitimate access to the device but could leverage it for information gathering or further exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Samsung Notes users and their data integrity. The local privilege escalation potential means that an attacker with basic user-level access could gain unauthorized access to memory segments that contain sensitive information or system artifacts. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the device's security boundaries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which involves the use of legitimate credentials and local system access to perform unauthorized operations. The memory read behavior could expose confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions, potentially including user credentials, application data, or other sensitive materials that may not be directly accessible through normal application interfaces.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-34628 centers on updating Samsung Notes to version 4.4.21.62 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read condition. System administrators and users should prioritize immediate deployment of this update across all affected devices, particularly those running older versions of Samsung Notes. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation for all file path processing within the application, employing memory safety techniques such as bounds checking, and utilizing address space layout randomization to complicate potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider monitoring for anomalous file processing behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in mobile applications, particularly those handling file operations and binary data processing. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices can help identify similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild, aligning with industry best practices for secure software development lifecycle implementation.