CVE-2022-21757 – This vulnerability in MediaTek WIFI Firmware al... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2022-21757?

CVE-2022-21757 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This vulnerability in MediaTek WIFI Firmware allows remote attackers to cause a system crash (denial of service) without authentication or user interaction. It affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek WIFI chipsets. The issue stems from a missing count check that can be exploited remotely.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in MediaTek WIFI Firmware allows remote attackers to cause a system crash (denial of service) without authentication or user interaction. It affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek WIFI chipsets. The issue stems from a missing count check that can be exploited remotely.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Devices with MediaTek WIFI chipsets

Versions: Specific firmware versions not publicly detailed in advisory

Operating Systems: Android, Linux-based systems using MediaTek WIFI

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek WIFI firmware. Exact device models not specified in public advisory.

📦 What is this software?

Android by Google

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Android by Google

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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system crash requiring physical restart, disrupting all device functionality including network connectivity.

🟠

Likely Case

Temporary denial of service affecting WIFI connectivity until system restart.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if patched firmware is installed.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Remote exploitation without authentication makes internet-facing devices particularly vulnerable.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal network devices are still vulnerable to attacks from within the network.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

No authentication required and no user interaction needed makes exploitation straightforward if details become public.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware with patch ID ALPS06468894

Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/June-2022

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply firmware update containing patch ALPS06468894. 3. Reboot device to activate patched firmware.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable WIFI

all

Temporarily disable WIFI functionality to prevent exploitation

# Android: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Turn off
# Linux: sudo nmcli radio wifi off

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate vulnerable devices on separate network segments

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Segment vulnerable devices on isolated network segments
Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device specifications for MediaTek WIFI chipset and contact manufacturer for firmware version details

Check Version:

# Manufacturer-specific commands vary by device

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version includes patch ID ALPS06468894 via manufacturer tools

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected system reboots
WIFI driver crashes
Kernel panic logs

Network Indicators:

Unusual WIFI disconnection patterns
Malformed WIFI packets

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "crash") AND "wifi" OR source="system" AND event="unexpected_reboot"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2022-21757

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

CWE: CWE-354

Published: June 6, 2022

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/June-2022 Vendor Advisory
https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/June-2022 Vendor Advisory

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