CVE-2024-7542 in oFono
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
oFono AT CMGR 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+CMGR 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-23309.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The CVE-2024-7542 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the oFono telecommunications stack that processes AT+CMGR commands for SMS message retrieval. This vulnerability resides in the modem communication layer where the software fails to properly initialize memory variables before accessing them during response parsing operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes responses from the AT+CMGR command which is used to read SMS messages from the modem's memory. The uninitialized variable condition creates a scenario where memory contents from previous operations or system allocations may be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized processes.
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. This prerequisite aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics where initial access is necessary before leveraging system weaknesses. The vulnerability's classification as an uninitialized variable issue directly maps to CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables in software development. The memory access pattern in this case creates a predictable information disclosure channel where attackers can potentially extract sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or system configuration details that may have been stored in the uninitialized memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it creates a potential pathway for more severe attacks. When combined with other vulnerabilities present in the oFono stack or the underlying modem firmware, this uninitialized variable can serve as a stepping stone for privilege escalation to root-level execution. The local attacker scenario indicates that the vulnerability does not require network exposure, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems where physical access or code execution capabilities can be obtained through various attack vectors. The vulnerability affects installations where oFono is actively managing modem communications, typically found in mobile network equipment, embedded communication devices, and IoT systems that rely on cellular connectivity for operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate code-level fixes and broader system security enhancements. The primary remediation involves implementing proper memory initialization protocols within the AT+CMGR response parsing logic, ensuring all variables are properly initialized before any memory access operations occur. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of oFono that address this uninitialized variable condition, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should include runtime monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and implementing proper input validation for all modem command responses. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their cellular communication infrastructure to identify and remediate similar uninitialized variable conditions that may exist in other components of their telecommunications stack. The ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles recommend combining these technical fixes with administrative controls such as privileged access management and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerabilities.