CVE-2024-32927 Overview
CVE-2024-32927 is a use after free vulnerability discovered in the sendDeviceState_1_6 function of RadioExt.cpp within Google Android. The vulnerability arises due to improper locking mechanisms, creating a race condition that allows memory to be accessed after it has been freed. This flaw enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning for Android device security.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can exploit this use after free condition to escalate privileges on affected Android devices, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and data without any user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android (all versions prior to August 2024 security patch)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-19 - CVE-2024-32927 published to NVD
- 2024-08-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-32927
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-416 (Use After Free), a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it references has been freed. In the context of RadioExt.cpp, the sendDeviceState_1_6 function contains improper locking that creates a window where freed memory can be accessed.
The local attack vector means an attacker requires some level of access to the target device to exploit this vulnerability. However, the exploitation does not require elevated privileges or user interaction, significantly lowering the barrier to successful attacks. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation could allow complete control over the affected process or escalate to system-level access.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2024-32927 lies in inadequate synchronization mechanisms within the sendDeviceState_1_6 function. The improper locking allows a race condition where one thread may free memory while another thread still holds a reference to that memory location. When the second thread attempts to access this freed memory, undefined behavior occurs, which attackers can exploit to achieve arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation.
This type of vulnerability is common in multi-threaded environments where proper mutex or lock management is critical. The Android radio subsystem, which handles device state communications, requires precise memory management due to its performance-sensitive nature.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker needs existing access to the Android device. The exploitation process typically involves:
- Triggering the vulnerable code path in sendDeviceState_1_6
- Manipulating timing to cause the improper locking condition
- Causing memory to be freed while a valid reference still exists
- Accessing the freed memory to corrupt program state
- Leveraging the corruption for privilege escalation
Since no additional execution privileges are needed and user interaction is not required, a malicious application installed on the device could potentially exploit this vulnerability silently.
The vulnerability manifests in the sendDeviceState_1_6 function within RadioExt.cpp. The improper locking mechanism allows concurrent access to memory that may have been freed by another thread. For detailed technical information, refer to the Android Security Bulletin August 2024.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-32927
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual crashes or instability in the radio subsystem or related telephony services
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts detected in system logs
- Anomalous memory access patterns in RadioExt components
- Signs of exploitation attempts targeting Android radio HAL interfaces
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for abnormal behavior in radio-related system processes
- Implement application behavior analysis to detect privilege escalation attempts
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying use after free exploitation patterns
- Review Android system logs for crashes in RadioExt.cpp or related components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for Android telephony and radio subsystems
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity Mobile to monitor for exploitation attempts on Android devices
- Establish baseline behavior patterns for radio-related processes to detect anomalies
- Implement real-time alerting for suspicious privilege changes on managed devices
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-32927
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the August 2024 Android security patch immediately on all affected devices
- Prioritize patching for devices with sensitive data or elevated risk profiles
- Audit installed applications for potentially malicious software that could exploit this vulnerability
- Enable automatic security updates to ensure timely patch deployment
Patch Information
Google has addressed CVE-2024-32927 in the August 2024 security bulletin. The patch resolves the improper locking issue in the sendDeviceState_1_6 function by implementing proper synchronization mechanisms to prevent use after free conditions.
Organizations should reference the Android Security Bulletin August 2024 for complete patching instructions and affected version details. Device manufacturers should incorporate this patch into their security updates and distribute to end users promptly.
Workarounds
- Limit application installation to trusted sources only (Google Play Store or enterprise app stores)
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies
- Restrict physical access to devices to reduce local attack surface
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity Mobile for real-time threat detection and protection
# Verify Android security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output should be 2024-08-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
