CVE-2024-56190 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
In wl_update_hidden_ap_ie() of wl_cfgscan.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. 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 • 09/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56190 resides within the wireless networking subsystem of a Linux-based operating system, specifically within the wl_cfgscan.c source file. This flaw manifests in the wl_update_hidden_ap_ie() function where inadequate input validation creates a potential out-of-bounds write condition. The issue affects the Broadcom wireless driver implementation commonly found in embedded systems and mobile devices, where wireless scanning operations are performed to discover hidden access points. The improper validation occurs during the processing of beacon frames or probe responses from wireless networks, where the driver attempts to update internal data structures containing information about hidden access points. This represents a critical security weakness that allows for arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, as the out-of-bounds write could overwrite adjacent memory locations including kernel data structures or function pointers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is categorized under the broader weakness of improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the driver receives wireless beacon frames containing malformed information element (IE) data structures that exceed the expected buffer boundaries. Attackers can craft specially formatted beacon frames or probe response packets that trigger the vulnerable code path without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability exists because the driver does not properly validate the length of incoming data elements before attempting to copy them into fixed-size kernel buffers. This allows an attacker positioned within wireless range to send malicious wireless frames that cause the kernel to write data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially corrupting critical kernel structures or overwriting function pointers that lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-56190 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it enables local privilege escalation to kernel-level privileges without requiring any user interaction or elevated access rights. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where wireless interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots or enterprise wireless networks. The attack surface includes any device running the affected wireless driver, particularly embedded systems, routers, IoT devices, and mobile platforms that utilize Broadcom wireless chipsets. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, modify system files, establish persistent backdoors, or extract sensitive information from the device. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for automated attacks and makes it suitable for exploitation in scenarios where physical access to the wireless interface is not required.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56190 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level flaw that cannot be effectively mitigated through network-level controls alone. System administrators should prioritize updating wireless drivers and kernel versions to include the patched wl_cfgscan.c implementation that properly validates input lengths before buffer operations. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms that verify the length of incoming information elements against the allocated buffer space before copying data. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing wireless network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious wireless networks. Monitoring for suspicious wireless activity, particularly unusual beacon frame patterns or probe response anomalies, can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in wireless networking stacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, with potential techniques including kernel exploits and privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities, making it a critical component of enterprise security posture assessments.