CVE-2024-40671 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
In DevmemIntChangeSparse2 of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible way to achieve arbitrary code execution due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40671 resides within the device memory server component of a system, specifically in the DevmemIntChangeSparse2 function located in devicemem_server.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized code execution through a missing permission validation mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it highly exploitable in targeted attack scenarios. The function's insufficient access controls create a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and permission checking within the device memory management subsystem. When the DevmemIntChangeSparse2 function processes memory operations, it fails to properly verify whether the requesting process has adequate authorization levels to perform the specific memory modification actions. This missing permission check creates a direct attack vector that can be leveraged by local users to manipulate device memory regions that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which categorizes improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege checking in kernel or system-level components. The flaw essentially allows any local process to perform memory operations that should be restricted to privileged system components, fundamentally undermining the system's security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40671 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest available privileges, potentially allowing them to modify critical system files, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, enabling both automated attacks and rapid compromise of systems. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities, and T1548.001, which covers abuse of privilege escalation techniques. The implications are severe for embedded systems, IoT devices, and any platform where device memory management is exposed through kernel interfaces, as these systems often operate with elevated privileges and may lack traditional security mitigations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40671 should focus on implementing proper access controls and privilege validation within the device memory management subsystem. The most effective immediate solution involves adding comprehensive permission checks within the DevmemIntChangeSparse2 function to validate the requesting process's privileges before allowing memory operations to proceed. System administrators should also consider applying the latest firmware updates or patches provided by the vendor, as these typically contain the necessary code modifications to address the missing permission validation. Additionally, implementing mandatory access controls through mechanisms like SELinux or AppArmor can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, while regular security audits of kernel modules should be conducted to identify similar permission checking gaps. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying the principle of least privilege and ensuring that all system-level interfaces perform adequate authorization checks before executing potentially dangerous operations. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and conduct regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components.