CVE-2022-20053
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation in MediaTek's IMS service due to a missing permission check. Attackers can gain elevated privileges without user interaction or additional execution permissions. Affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable IMS service implementations.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipset-based devices
- Smartphones/tablets with MediaTek processors
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to gain root/system privileges, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, and bypass all security controls.
Likely Case
Local attackers gain elevated privileges to access protected system resources, modify system settings, or install unauthorized applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device is fully patched or IMS service is disabled/restricted through security policies.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no user interaction. The missing permission check makes exploitation straightforward once the vulnerability is understood.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS06219097
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/March-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply March 2022 or later MediaTek security patches. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch ALPS06219097 is applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable IMS service if not needed
androidDisable the vulnerable IMS service component if device doesn't require IMS/VoLTE functionality
adb shell pm disable com.mediatek.ims
Restrict app permissions
allImplement strict app permission policies to limit which apps can interact with system services
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device security patch level - if before March 2022 and uses MediaTek chipset, likely vulnerable. Check for IMS service version with vulnerable MediaTek components.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level includes March 2022 or later MediaTek patches. Check that patch ALPS06219097 is listed in applied patches.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual IMS service permission requests
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Abnormal IMS service process behavior
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for IMS service permission escalation events or unexpected system privilege changes on MediaTek devices