CVE-2024-40431 in SD Card Reader Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 10/24/2024
A lack of input validation in Realtek SD card reader driver before 10.0.26100.21374 through the implementation of the IOCTL_SCSI_PASS_THROUGH control of the SD card reader driver allows an attacker to write to predictable kernel memory locations, even as a low-privileged user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40431 represents a critical security flaw within the Realtek SD card reader driver ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.0.26100.21374. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms implemented within the driver's handling of the IOCTL_SCSI_PASS_THROUGH control code, creating a pathway for arbitrary kernel memory writes that can be exploited by low-privileged attackers. The flaw exists at the intersection of device driver security and kernel exploitation techniques, where proper validation of input parameters should prevent malicious data from being processed in kernel space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the driver's behavior through carefully crafted IOCTL requests that bypass normal input sanitization procedures. When the driver processes the IOCTL_SCSI_PASS_THROUGH control code, it fails to adequately validate the parameters passed to the underlying SCSI pass-through mechanism, enabling an attacker to construct malicious input that maps to predictable kernel memory addresses. This lack of validation creates a direct pathway for heap-based or stack-based memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation issue, specifically manifesting as an improper validation of input boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40431 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the kernel's memory protection mechanisms. An attacker with standard user privileges can exploit this vulnerability to write to predetermined kernel memory locations, potentially allowing for the modification of critical kernel data structures, function pointers, or executable code segments. This capability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain kernel-level access. The predictable nature of the memory locations makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it reduces the complexity required for exploitation and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation in targeted attacks.
Security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the widespread deployment of Realtek SD card readers across multiple device manufacturers and operating systems. The attack surface includes any system running vulnerable driver versions, particularly affecting enterprise environments where SD card readers are commonly used for data transfer and device initialization tasks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or advanced knowledge, making it accessible to threat actors with basic exploitation skills. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigation strategies including driver version updates, kernel patching, and network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious IOCTL_SCSI_PASS_THROUGH activity and implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization could provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts.