CVE-2024-20148: Linuxfoundation Yocto RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-20148 Overview

CVE-2024-20148 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in MediaTek WLAN STA (Station) firmware that allows for remote code execution via wireless proximity. The flaw exists due to improper input validation in the WLAN firmware, enabling an attacker within wireless range to execute arbitrary code without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables remote code execution on affected MediaTek wireless chipsets without user interaction, potentially allowing complete device compromise from wireless proximity.

Affected Products

• Google Android 13.0, 14.0, and 15.0
• MediaTek Software Development Kit
• Linux Foundation Yocto 3.3, 4.0, and 5.0
• MediaTek MT3603
• MediaTek MT6835, MT6878, MT6886, MT6897
• MediaTek MT7902, MT7920, MT7922
• MediaTek MT8518s, MT8532, MT8766, MT8768, MT8775, MT8796, MT8798

Discovery Timeline

• January 6, 2025 - CVE-2024-20148 published to NVD
• April 22, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-20148

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), affecting the WLAN Station firmware across multiple MediaTek wireless chipsets. The flaw resides in the firmware's input validation routines, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious wireless frames to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries.

The network attack vector combined with no required privileges or user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in wireless environments. An attacker positioned within wireless range of vulnerable devices can craft malicious wireless packets that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially achieving code execution at the firmware level.

The affected components span a wide range of MediaTek chipsets used in Android devices, IoT devices built on the Yocto platform, and various embedded systems utilizing MediaTek wireless solutions.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation in the WLAN STA firmware when processing wireless frames. The firmware fails to adequately validate the size or format of incoming data before writing it to memory buffers, resulting in a classic out-of-bounds write condition. MediaTek has assigned internal tracking identifiers WCNCR00389045 / ALPS09136494 (Patch ID) and MSV-1796 (Issue ID) to this vulnerability.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, specifically requiring wireless proximity (proximal/adjacent network access) to the target device. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Positioning themselves within wireless range of a vulnerable device
2. Transmitting specially crafted wireless frames designed to trigger the input validation flaw
3. Causing an out-of-bounds write that overwrites critical memory structures
4. Achieving code execution within the context of the WLAN firmware

No authentication or user interaction is required, making this a zero-click attack scenario. The exploitation can occur during normal wireless operations without any visible indication to the device user.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-20148

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected crashes or reboots of wireless subsystems on affected devices
• Anomalous wireless frame patterns in wireless packet captures, particularly malformed or oversized frames
• Unusual firmware behavior or memory corruption signatures in device logs
• Unexplained network connectivity issues following wireless exposure

Detection Strategies

• Deploy wireless intrusion detection systems (WIDS) to monitor for anomalous frame patterns targeting MediaTek chipsets
• Implement firmware integrity monitoring on embedded devices using affected MediaTek wireless components
• Monitor system logs for WLAN firmware crashes or unexpected restarts that may indicate exploitation attempts
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring firmware-level anomalies

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WLAN subsystems on Android devices where supported
• Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices with vulnerable MediaTek chipsets
• Conduct regular firmware version audits across all devices utilizing affected MediaTek wireless components
• Monitor for MediaTek security bulletins and Android security patches addressing wireless firmware vulnerabilities

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-20148

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest security patches from device manufacturers that incorporate MediaTek's firmware fixes
• Update Android devices to the latest available security patch level (January 2025 or later)
• For Yocto-based systems, update to patched MediaTek SDK versions as specified by MediaTek
• Isolate unpatched devices from critical networks until patches can be applied
• Minimize wireless exposure of affected devices in high-risk environments

Patch Information

MediaTek has released patches addressing this vulnerability with Patch ID WCNCR00389045 / ALPS09136494. The fix is documented in the MediaTek Product Security Bulletin for January 2025. Device manufacturers and Android OEMs are responsible for integrating these firmware updates into their respective software releases.

For Android devices, the fix is expected to be included in January 2025 or subsequent Android Security Bulletins. For embedded systems using Yocto with MediaTek wireless components, consult the MediaTek SDK documentation for updated firmware images.

Workarounds

• Disable wireless functionality on affected devices when not actively required
• Implement physical security measures to limit attacker proximity to vulnerable devices
• Use wired network connections where possible as an alternative to wireless connectivity
• Deploy wireless access control lists (ACLs) to restrict which devices can communicate on the wireless network
• Consider network isolation for devices that cannot be immediately patched

# Example: Disable WLAN interface on Linux-based devices (temporary workaround)
# This reduces attack surface but eliminates wireless functionality
ip link set wlan0 down

# For Android devices, disable Wi-Fi via settings or ADB
adb shell svc wifi disable