CVE-2024-57258 in U-Boot
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2025
Integer overflows in memory allocation in Das U-Boot before 2025.01-rc1 occur for a crafted squashfs filesystem via sbrk, via request2size, or because ptrdiff_t is mishandled on x86_64.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57258 represents a critical integer overflow condition affecting the Das U-Boot bootloader software ecosystem. This flaw manifests within the memory allocation mechanisms of U-Boot versions prior to 2025.01-rc1, specifically when processing crafted squashfs filesystems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer arithmetic during memory allocation operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory management functions through carefully constructed filesystem data structures. The affected code paths include the sbrk memory allocation function and the request2size conversion mechanism, both of which are fundamental components in how U-Boot manages dynamic memory during filesystem operations. These memory allocation functions are particularly sensitive because they directly interface with the underlying system memory management and can be exploited to cause unpredictable behavior in the bootloader environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple attack vectors that exploit different aspects of integer overflow conditions. When U-Boot encounters a maliciously crafted squashfs filesystem, the sbrk function receives malformed size parameters that, when processed through the request2size conversion, result in integer overflows. Additionally, the improper handling of ptrdiff_t types on x86_64 architectures creates further opportunities for overflow conditions to manifest. This combination of factors allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation requests in ways that can lead to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or potentially arbitrary code execution within the bootloader environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the bootloader level, where successful exploitation could compromise the entire system boot process and potentially provide attackers with persistent access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-57258 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain control over embedded systems that rely on Das U-Boot for their boot processes. Systems utilizing affected U-Boot versions may be vulnerable to attacks that manipulate the boot sequence, potentially allowing for firmware modification, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to have the ability to influence or inject a crafted squashfs filesystem into the boot process, which could occur through various attack vectors including compromised storage devices, network-based attacks, or supply chain compromises. Given that U-Boot is widely used in embedded systems, IoT devices, networking equipment, and industrial control systems, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive and impacts critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57258 should prioritize immediate deployment of patched U-Boot versions, specifically those from the 2025.01-rc1 release or later, which contain the necessary fixes for integer overflow conditions in memory allocation functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected U-Boot versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors that could deliver malicious squashfs filesystems, while also monitoring for unusual filesystem access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how improper integer arithmetic handling can lead to memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through boot process manipulation, with potential TTPs including supply chain attacks, firmware modification, and system compromise through bootloader-level exploits. Regular security assessments and firmware update policies should be implemented to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities in the evolving threat landscape.