CVE-2024-7541 in oFono
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
oFono AT CMT Command Uninitialized Variable Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of oFono. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute code on the target modem in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of responses from AT+CMT commands. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of memory prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-23308.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The CVE-2024-7541 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the oFono telecommunications stack that processes AT command responses, specifically targeting the AT+CMT command parsing functionality. This vulnerability resides in the modem communication subsystem where the software fails to properly initialize memory variables before accessing them, creating a predictable information leakage scenario. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of modem communication protocols that handle SMS message notifications, making it a prime target for exploitation in telecommunications infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-457, which describes "Use of uninitialized variable" as a fundamental programming error that can lead to information disclosure and potentially more severe security consequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first gain code execution capabilities on the target modem itself, establishing a foothold within the system's operational environment. Once achieved, the uninitialized variable within the AT+CMT command response parsing mechanism allows for memory content disclosure that can reveal sensitive information including system memory layouts, configuration data, or potentially cryptographic keys used in modem communications. This information disclosure can serve as a critical stepping stone for attackers to understand the system's internal state and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it operates within the trusted communication channel between the modem and the host system, making detection more challenging and the attack more likely to succeed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions on affected systems. This escalation path represents a significant security risk for telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in environments where modems are directly connected to critical network services or where they operate with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods. Organizations running oFono implementations may find their modem communication systems compromised, potentially affecting SMS services, data transmission capabilities, and overall network security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7541 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper memory initialization practices within the AT command parsing routines, ensuring that all variables are properly initialized before access. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, preventing unauthorized code execution on modem systems. Additionally, monitoring and logging of AT command interactions can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and patches should be applied to address the underlying memory management issues. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in telecommunications software, particularly in systems that handle sensitive communication data and operate with elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor modem communication protocols for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.