CVE-2024-4786 in Tab K10
Summary
by MITRE • 07/26/2024
An improper validation vulnerability was reported in the Lenovo Tab K10 that could allow a specially crafted application to keep the device on.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4786 represents a critical improper validation flaw within the Lenovo Tab K10 device firmware that exposes the system to potential unauthorized device manipulation. This weakness specifically relates to how the device handles power state management and device wake-up mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious applications to maintain persistent device activation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the power management subsystem, allowing crafted applications to bypass normal device shutdown procedures and keep the device in an active state indefinitely. This improper validation issue manifests as a failure to properly authenticate or verify the legitimacy of power state change requests, enabling unauthorized control over fundamental device operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of power management APIs and system calls that control device sleep and wake cycles. Attackers can craft malicious applications that manipulate the device's power management protocols to continuously prevent the device from entering proper sleep states. The flaw operates at the system level where device power state transitions are handled, potentially allowing persistent device activation even when users intend to power down or lock the device. This improper validation occurs during the device state transition process where legitimate and malicious requests are not adequately differentiated, creating a persistent threat vector that can maintain device activity without user consent. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation issues, and represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture that undermines normal power management controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-4786 extends beyond simple device inconvenience to potentially compromise user privacy and device security. When malicious applications can maintain device activation, they gain persistent access to device resources including battery power, network connectivity, and sensor capabilities. This persistent device state can enable continuous monitoring, data collection, and unauthorized network communications without user awareness. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat where attackers can maintain device activity even when users believe the device is powered off or locked, potentially enabling long-term surveillance operations. Additionally, the continuous device activation can accelerate battery drain, potentially rendering the device unusable while maintaining unauthorized access to its capabilities, creating both operational and security implications for users. The vulnerability impacts the device's fundamental security model by undermining the user's ability to control device power states and potentially access device resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4786 require immediate firmware updates from Lenovo to address the improper validation in power management protocols. Users should implement strict application permission controls and avoid installing applications from untrusted sources that could exploit this vulnerability. Security professionals should monitor device power state transitions and implement network-based detection systems to identify anomalous device activation patterns. The recommended approach includes applying the latest firmware patches that correct the input validation mechanisms within the power management subsystem, ensuring that all power state change requests are properly authenticated and validated before execution. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that restrict application installation and monitor for suspicious power state behavior. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in critical system components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of device power management features. The mitigation efforts should align with industry best practices for firmware security and address the underlying CWE-20 weakness through proper validation controls that prevent unauthorized device state manipulation.