CVE-2024-47024 Overview
CVE-2024-47024 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the vring_size function located in external/headers/include/virtio/virtio_ring.h on Google Android. The flaw causes an out-of-bounds write when size calculations exceed the maximum representable integer value. A local attacker with low privileges can exploit this condition to escalate privileges on affected devices. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-190] Integer Overflow or Wraparound. Google addressed the issue in the October 2024 Android Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
A local, low-privileged attacker can trigger an integer overflow in the virtio ring size calculation to achieve out-of-bounds writes and escalate privileges on Android devices without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android (virtio headers in external/headers/include/virtio/virtio_ring.h)
- Devices receiving updates via the October 2024 Android Security Bulletin
- Pixel devices covered by the October 2024 Pixel Update Bulletin
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-25 - CVE-2024-47024 published to NVD
- 2024-10-01 - Google publishes fix in October 2024 Android Security Bulletin
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47024
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the vring_size helper defined in external/headers/include/virtio/virtio_ring.h. This function computes the total memory size required for a virtio ring based on the number of descriptors and alignment parameters. Under attacker-controlled inputs, the arithmetic used to compute the ring size wraps around due to an integer overflow. The wrapped, undersized value is then used to allocate or index a buffer while subsequent code writes data assuming the full, unwrapped size. The mismatch produces an out-of-bounds write in kernel or privileged process memory. Because the affected code path is reachable by local, low-privileged callers, the attacker can corrupt adjacent structures to hijack control flow or elevate privileges to a higher trust boundary.
Root Cause
The root cause is unchecked arithmetic in the ring size computation. The code multiplies and adds descriptor counts, alignment, and per-entry sizes without validating that the result fits within the destination integer type. When the computation overflows, the returned size is smaller than the memory region that will actually be written. The subsequent write operations trust the truncated value and exceed the allocated bounds.
Attack Vector
An attacker requires local access with low privileges on the Android device. Exploitation typically involves invoking a virtio-facing interface from an unprivileged process or component, supplying crafted parameters that force vring_size to overflow. Because no user interaction is required, malicious applications installed on the device can trigger the code path silently. Successful exploitation yields confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact at the elevated privilege level.
No public proof-of-concept code has been released. See the Android Security Bulletin October 2024 for vendor-supplied technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47024
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or kernel panics in processes interacting with virtio devices on Android.
- Applications making anomalous ioctl or driver calls against virtio interfaces from non-system UIDs.
- Presence of unpatched Android builds with a security patch level earlier than 2024-10-01.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Android devices and flag any with a security patch level below 2024-10-01.
- Monitor mobile endpoint telemetry for privilege escalation behavior, such as processes gaining root or system context outside expected workflows.
- Correlate application installs with subsequent abnormal system-level activity to identify potentially malicious local exploitation attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Centralize Android device patch-level reporting through your mobile device management (MDM) platform.
- Alert on installations of sideloaded APKs on managed devices that lack the October 2024 security patch.
- Track kernel or system service crash logs that reference virtio components for signs of exploitation attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47024
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the October 2024 Android security patch (patch level 2024-10-01 or later) to all managed devices.
- Update Pixel devices using the October 2024 Pixel Update Bulletin guidance.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications, especially on devices that cannot immediately receive the patch.
Patch Information
Google released fixes for CVE-2024-47024 as part of the October 2024 Android Security Bulletin. Devices with a security patch level of 2024-10-01 or later contain the fix. Consult the Android Security Bulletin October 2024 for the full list of resolved issues and device-specific guidance.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; apply the vendor patch as the primary remediation.
- Enforce MDM policies that block sideloading and restrict app installation to vetted sources until patching is complete.
- Isolate unpatched devices from sensitive corporate resources and require compliance with minimum patch level before granting access.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
