CVE-2024-34629 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Out-of-bounds read in applying binary with text common object 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-2024-34629 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 that contain text common object data structures, creating a potential pathway for local attackers to access memory regions beyond the intended boundaries of the application's memory management. The flaw resides within the application's handling of file parsing operations where it fails to properly validate input data before processing binary content that may contain embedded text objects. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and aligns with CWE-125 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The vulnerability affects Samsung Notes versions older than 4.4.21.62, indicating that Samsung has acknowledged and addressed this issue in their subsequent releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of binary files that contain text common object elements within their structure. When Samsung Notes encounters such files, the application's parser does not sufficiently validate the size or boundaries of the text objects contained within the binary data, leading to memory access violations where the application attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This particular flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that can be exploited through local attack vectors, as the attacker only needs to have access to the device running the vulnerable application. The out-of-bounds read operation can potentially expose sensitive memory contents including application state information, user data, or even cryptographic keys that may be stored in adjacent memory regions. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to extract confidential information from the application's memory space, potentially compromising user privacy and data integrity.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially gain insights into the application's internal memory layout and state. This type of memory access can be leveraged in combination with other exploits to facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation or information gathering for further exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the technique of "Memory Injection" and "Data Manipulation" where attackers can manipulate memory contents or extract information from memory segments that should remain protected. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious binary files containing specially formatted text common objects that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition when Samsung Notes attempts to parse them. The vulnerability's classification as a local attack vector means that exploitation requires physical access to the device or the ability to execute code locally, but the potential for data extraction remains significant. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a concerning pattern in mobile application security where file parsing operations fail to implement proper validation mechanisms, creating opportunities for memory-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-34629 focus primarily on updating to Samsung Notes version 4.4.21.62 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the vulnerable application are updated promptly. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or file parsing behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in mobile applications, particularly those handling file processing operations. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies where possible, restricting the execution of potentially malicious files that could trigger this vulnerability. Regular security assessments of mobile applications should include thorough examination of file parsing logic and memory handling operations to identify similar out-of-bounds read conditions. From a broader security perspective, this vulnerability reinforces the need for adherence to secure coding practices and the implementation of automated code analysis tools that can detect memory safety issues during the development lifecycle. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the risks of executing untrusted files and the importance of keeping applications updated with the latest security patches.