CVE-2022-20088
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the aee driver allows local privilege escalation due to incorrect reference count handling during error conditions. Attackers with system execution privileges can exploit this without user interaction to gain elevated privileges. Affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable driver versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipset devices
- Android devices with MediaTek processors
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and full device control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and driver sandboxing are implemented, though kernel-level access remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires existing system execution privileges but no user interaction. Kernel driver vulnerabilities typically attract exploit development.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS06209201
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/May-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware update containing patch ALPS06209201. 2. Apply firmware update through manufacturer's update mechanism. 3. Reboot device to load patched driver.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable aee driver module
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module at boot
echo 'blacklist aee' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod aee
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict privilege separation to limit system execution privileges
- Use SELinux/AppArmor policies to restrict driver access and contain potential escalation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if aee driver is loaded: lsmod | grep aee. If loaded and patch not applied, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
uname -a (for kernel) and check firmware version in device settingsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch is applied by checking kernel/driver version against manufacturer's patched firmware version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel logs showing aee driver errors or crashes
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Process elevation from non-privileged to root without legitimate authorization events