CVE-2022-21745
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in MediaTek WIFI firmware allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges when devices connect to malicious Wi-Fi hotspots. It affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek Wi-Fi chipsets. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek Wi-Fi chipsets and devices using them
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing persistent backdoor installation, data theft, and device control.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data exfiltration, surveillance, or device enrollment in botnets.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices only connect to trusted networks and have network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires setting up malicious Wi-Fi hotspot within range of target device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware with patch ID ALPS06468872
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/June-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Wi-Fi firmware update from device vendor. 3. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wi-Fi auto-connect
allPrevent automatic connection to unknown Wi-Fi networks
Device-specific settings configuration
Use trusted networks only
allConfigure devices to only connect to pre-approved, secured Wi-Fi networks
Network whitelisting configuration
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Wi-Fi when not in use or in untrusted environments
- Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device specifications for MediaTek Wi-Fi chipset and firmware version against vendor advisoryCheck Version:
Device-specific commands (e.g., Android: Settings > About phone > Wi-Fi firmware version)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version includes patch ID ALPS06468872 in system information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Wi-Fi connection attempts
- Firmware crash logs
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Devices connecting to suspicious Wi-Fi SSIDs
- Unusual network traffic from Wi-Fi interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="system_logs" ("Wi-Fi firmware" OR "mediatek") ("crash" OR "memory corruption" OR "use after free")