CVE-2022-20026
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Bluetooth stack vulnerability in MediaTek chipsets that allows local privilege escalation without user interaction. An attacker with Bluetooth access can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges due to an out-of-bounds write. Affected systems include devices using vulnerable MediaTek Bluetooth implementations.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek Bluetooth chipsets and devices using them
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root/kernel-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and device control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to gain elevated system permissions, potentially enabling further attacks on the device.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or device isolation prevents local access.
🎯 Exploit Status
No user interaction required, but requires Bluetooth proximity and knowledge of vulnerable devices.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS06126827
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/February-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS06126827. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify Bluetooth functionality post-patch.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
allTurn off Bluetooth to prevent exploitation via this vector
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0
Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > Turn Off
Restrict Bluetooth visibility
androidSet Bluetooth to non-discoverable mode to reduce attack surface
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_discoverability 0
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely when not in use
- Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device specifications for MediaTek Bluetooth chipset and firmware version against vendor advisoryCheck Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint (for Android devices)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS06126827 is applied via device firmware version or manufacturer update notes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts
- Privilege escalation events in system logs
- Kernel panic or crash related to Bluetooth stack
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious Bluetooth pairing attempts
- Abnormal Bluetooth protocol traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
source="bluetooth" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR error_code="out_of_bounds")