CVE-2024-20011 Overview
CVE-2024-20011 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) decoder implementation in MediaTek chipsets running on Google Android devices. The vulnerability stems from an incorrect bounds check that leads to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer (CWE-119). This flaw enables attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous for affected mobile devices.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows remote code execution on affected Android devices through malicious audio content, potentially enabling complete device compromise without any user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 11.0, 12.0, and 13.0
- MediaTek MT6985, MT8127, MT8135, MT8167, MT8167s, MT8168 chipsets
- MediaTek MT8173, MT8175, MT8176, MT8183, MT8185, MT8188, MT8188T chipsets
- MediaTek MT8195, MT8195Z, MT8312C, MT8312D chipsets
Discovery Timeline
- February 5, 2024 - CVE-2024-20011 published to NVD
- June 20, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-20011
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability resides in the ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) decoder component used by MediaTek chipsets in Android devices. The decoder fails to properly validate input boundaries when processing ALAC-encoded audio data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The attack can be executed remotely over a network without requiring any user interaction or special privileges, significantly increasing the risk profile for affected devices. ALAC audio processing is commonly triggered during media playback, streaming, or when receiving multimedia content, providing multiple potential attack surfaces.
Root Cause
The root cause is an incorrect bounds check in the ALAC decoder implementation. When parsing ALAC audio frames, the decoder does not properly validate the size of input data against buffer boundaries before performing memory operations. This allows malformed ALAC audio data to write beyond allocated buffer limits, corrupting adjacent memory structures.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer), indicating that the decoder's memory handling routines lack proper boundary enforcement during audio frame parsing and decoding operations.
Attack Vector
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious ALAC audio content and delivering it to a target device through various means:
The malicious audio can be embedded in multimedia files, streamed through media applications, or delivered via messaging platforms. When the affected device processes the malicious ALAC content, the incorrect bounds check allows the attacker to corrupt memory and achieve code execution within the context of the media processing component.
Since the vulnerability requires no user interaction, simply receiving or automatically processing the malicious audio content is sufficient to trigger exploitation. The network-based attack vector combined with zero-click exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly severe for enterprise mobile device fleets.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-20011
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual crashes or restarts of media processing services on affected Android devices
- Anomalous memory consumption patterns in audio codec processes
- Unexpected network connections initiated by media framework components
- Presence of unknown processes spawned from media decoder services
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for malformed ALAC audio files with abnormal frame headers or oversized packets
- Implement network traffic inspection to identify suspicious audio content delivery attempts
- Deploy endpoint detection rules targeting unusual media framework behavior patterns
- Review system logs for repeated ALAC decoder crashes or memory violations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable enhanced logging for media processing components on Android devices
- Implement application-level monitoring for audio codec service anomalies
- Deploy mobile threat defense solutions capable of detecting exploit attempts targeting media codecs
- Establish baseline metrics for normal media processing behavior to identify deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-20011
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest Android security updates containing patch ALPS08441146
- Prioritize patching devices using MediaTek chipsets listed in the affected products
- Restrict automatic media playback and preview features on unpatched devices
- Consider network-level filtering of suspicious multimedia content until patches are deployed
Patch Information
MediaTek has released a security patch identified as ALPS08441146 to address this vulnerability. The fix is documented in the MediaTek Security Bulletin February 2024. Organizations should ensure affected devices receive the corresponding Android security updates from their device manufacturers or carriers.
The patch corrects the bounds checking logic in the ALAC decoder to properly validate input data sizes before performing memory operations, preventing the out-of-bounds memory access that enables exploitation.
Workarounds
- Disable automatic media playback in messaging and email applications where possible
- Block or quarantine ALAC audio files at email and web gateways until devices are patched
- Restrict media processing permissions for untrusted applications on affected devices
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to enforce security update compliance
# Verify Android security patch level on affected devices
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected: 2024-02-05 or later for patched devices
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
