CVE-2022-48245

7.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2022-48245 is a missing permission check vulnerability in the audio service that allows local attackers to escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges. This affects systems running vulnerable versions of Unisoc audio service components. Attackers could gain elevated access to system resources they shouldn't normally have.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Unisoc audio service components
Versions: Specific versions not detailed in available references; affected versions prior to vendor patches
Operating Systems: Android-based systems using Unisoc chipsets
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects devices using Unisoc chipsets with vulnerable audio service implementations. Exact device models not specified in available references.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise where an attacker gains root/admin privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, and full control over the affected device.

🟠

Likely Case

Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass application sandboxes, access protected system resources, and potentially install malicious applications with elevated permissions.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper access controls, application sandboxing, and security monitoring in place to detect and block privilege escalation attempts.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability requiring local access to the system.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Malicious insiders or compromised user accounts could exploit this to gain elevated privileges within the organization's device fleet.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access to the device. No public exploit code identified in available references. The missing permission check suggests relatively straightforward exploitation once the vulnerability is understood.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Not specified in available references; refer to vendor security updates

Vendor Advisory: https://www.unisoc.com/en_us/secy/announcementDetail/1654776866982133761

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check with device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply the latest security patches from the device vendor. 3. Reboot the device after patch installation. 4. Verify the patch is applied successfully.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict local user access

all

Limit physical and remote local access to vulnerable devices to reduce attack surface

Implement application sandboxing

android

Ensure applications run with minimal necessary privileges to limit impact of privilege escalation

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Isolate vulnerable devices on separate network segments with strict access controls
  • Implement enhanced monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and unusual audio service activity

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device manufacturer security bulletins for affected models and versions. Review system logs for audio service permission errors or unusual activity.

Check Version:

Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; typically check Settings > About Phone > Build Number or use manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify security patch level is updated beyond the vulnerable version. Check with device manufacturer for specific patch verification procedures.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual audio service permission requests
  • Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
  • Unexpected audio service process behavior

Network Indicators:

  • Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

Search for: 'audio service' AND ('permission denied' OR 'privilege escalation' OR 'unauthorized access') in system logs

🔗 References

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