CVE-2022-20111
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the ION memory management subsystem on MediaTek devices. It allows local attackers to escalate privileges without user interaction, potentially gaining root access. Affected devices include smartphones and tablets using specific MediaTek chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek smartphones and tablets
- Devices with MediaTek chipsets
📦 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 with root privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and bypassing all security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to gain elevated permissions, access sensitive data, and potentially install malicious applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched and have additional security controls like SELinux enforcing mode and app sandboxing.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to device. No public exploit code available as of knowledge cutoff. Exploitation involves triggering the use-after-free condition through specific memory operations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch including ALPS06366069
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/May-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for available system updates in device settings. 2. Apply the latest Android security patch from device manufacturer. 3. Reboot device after update installation. 4. Verify patch is applied by checking build number.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app permissions
androidLimit app permissions to reduce attack surface for malicious applications
Enable SELinux enforcing mode
androidEnsure SELinux is in enforcing mode to limit privilege escalation impact
getenforce
🧯 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 Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before May 2022 patch, likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level includes May 2022 or later patches. Check build number includes ALPS06366069 fix.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- ION memory allocation failures
- Permission escalation attempts in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from privileged processes
SIEM Query:
source="android_kernel" AND ("ION" OR "use-after-free" OR "privilege escalation")