CVE-2022-20045
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Bluetooth implementations on MediaTek chipsets. It allows local attackers to crash Bluetooth services and potentially escalate privileges without user interaction. Affected systems include devices using vulnerable MediaTek Bluetooth firmware.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek Bluetooth chipsets/firmware
📦 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
Local privilege escalation to system-level access, allowing complete device compromise and persistence.
Likely Case
Bluetooth service crash leading to denial of service for Bluetooth functionality and potential system instability.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or device is isolated from potential attackers.
🎯 Exploit Status
No authentication required but requires local access to device. Exploit likely requires Bluetooth protocol manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware with patch ID ALPS06126820
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 firmware patch ALPS06126820. 3. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
allTurn off Bluetooth functionality to prevent exploitation
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 from potential attackers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against MediaTek security bulletin. Use: adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprintCheck Version:
adb shell getprop | grep mediatekVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version includes patch ALPS06126820. Check Bluetooth functionality remains stable during stress testing.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Bluetooth service crashes (logcat errors)
- Unexpected Bluetooth stack restarts
- Kernel panic or system instability after Bluetooth events
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal Bluetooth protocol traffic patterns
- Multiple failed Bluetooth connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND "Bluetooth" AND ("crash" OR "error" OR "panic")