CVE-2024-44094 Overview
CVE-2024-44094 is a memory corruption vulnerability in the ppmp_protect_mfcfw_buf function within code/drm_fw.c on Google Android. The flaw stems from improper input validation in the Multi-Format Codec (MFC) firmware buffer protection routine. A local attacker with low privileges can trigger memory corruption to achieve local privilege escalation. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges. Google addressed the vulnerability in the September 2024 Android Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
Local privilege escalation on affected Android devices through memory corruption in the MFC firmware buffer protection code, with no user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android (Pixel devices)
- Android builds prior to the September 2024 security patch level
- Devices using the affected drm_fw.c MFC firmware protection code
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-13 - CVE-2024-44094 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2024-09-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin September 2024
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-44094
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in ppmp_protect_mfcfw_buf, a function in code/drm_fw.c responsible for protecting Multi-Format Codec firmware buffers. The function fails to properly validate input before performing memory operations, resulting in an out-of-bounds write condition [CWE-787] driven by improper input validation [CWE-20]. An attacker with local access and low-privilege code execution can craft input that corrupts adjacent memory structures. Because MFC firmware protection code operates at an elevated trust boundary, successful corruption enables privilege escalation to kernel or driver context. The attack requires no user interaction, expanding its viability across background processes and installed applications on the device.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds validation on parameters passed to ppmp_protect_mfcfw_buf. When the function processes attacker-controlled input describing buffer regions, it writes outside the intended bounds of the target memory. This is a classic out-of-bounds write pattern where trust in caller-supplied length or offset values leads to memory corruption in a privileged driver code path.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. An attacker must first execute code on the target device with unprivileged application permissions. The malicious app invokes the vulnerable code path in the MFC firmware buffer protection routine through supported IPC or driver interfaces. Carefully crafted parameters trigger the out-of-bounds write, corrupting kernel or driver memory. Successful exploitation grants the attacker elevated privileges beyond those originally granted to the calling process.
No verified public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for this vulnerability. See the Android Security Bulletin September 2024 for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44094
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel or driver crashes referencing MFC firmware paths or drm_fw symbols in device logs
- Applications performing anomalous ioctl or binder calls against media codec drivers
- Elevated privilege operations originating from processes without corresponding entitlements
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device patch levels and flag endpoints running builds prior to the September 2024 security patch level
- Inspect installed applications for unusual access to media codec device nodes and DRM firmware interfaces
- Correlate crash telemetry from mobile device management (MDM) platforms to identify repeated faults tied to MFC subsystems
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce a minimum Android security patch level policy through enterprise mobility management
- Collect application inventory and behavioral telemetry from managed mobile endpoints
- Track exploit disclosure sources and Android security bulletins for updated indicators
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44094
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the September 2024 Android security patch level or later on all affected Pixel and Android devices
- Identify unmanaged or out-of-date devices accessing corporate resources and require patching
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications from outside vetted app stores
Patch Information
Google released fixes for CVE-2024-44094 in the Android Security Bulletin September 2024. Devices must be updated to the 2024-09-01 security patch level or later. Original equipment manufacturers may release the patch on differing schedules; verify the specific device model's update availability with the manufacturer.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching is the only complete remediation
- Reduce risk by limiting installed applications to trusted publishers and enterprise-approved stores
- Apply mobile threat defense controls to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts on managed devices
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
