CVE-2023-32890 – This vulnerability in MediaTek modem EMM (Evolv... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-32890?

CVE-2023-32890 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This vulnerability in MediaTek modem EMM (Evolved Packet System Mobility Management) allows remote attackers to cause a system crash via improper input validation, leading to denial of service. It affects devices with MediaTek modems that haven't been patched. No user interaction or special privileges are required for exploitation.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in MediaTek modem EMM (Evolved Packet System Mobility Management) allows remote attackers to cause a system crash via improper input validation, leading to denial of service. It affects devices with MediaTek modems that haven't been patched. No user interaction or special privileges are required for exploitation.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

MediaTek modem chipsets with EMM functionality

Versions: Specific affected versions not publicly detailed; check MediaTek advisory for chipset-specific information.

Operating Systems: Android and other OS using affected MediaTek modems

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices with unpatched MediaTek modems; exact device models depend on OEM implementation.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device/system crash requiring physical restart, potentially disrupting critical communications in affected devices.

🟠

Likely Case

Temporary denial of service affecting modem functionality until system restart or crash recovery.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if patched; limited impact if network filtering blocks malicious EMM messages.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Remote exploitation possible without authentication via cellular network.

🏢 Internal Only: LOW - Primarily affects devices exposed to cellular networks, not internal enterprise networks.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires sending specially crafted EMM messages via cellular network interface.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patch ID: MOLY01183647

Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/April-2024

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware update availability. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch MOLY01183647. 3. Update device firmware through official channels. 4. Reboot device after update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network filtering

all

Filter malicious EMM messages at network level if possible (requires carrier cooperation).

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate affected devices from untrusted cellular networks when possible
Monitor for abnormal modem crashes or restarts as detection mechanism

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device firmware version against manufacturer's patched versions; consult MediaTek advisory for chipset-specific details.

Check Version:

Device-specific commands vary; typically check Settings > About Phone > Baseband version on Android devices.

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify patch MOLY01183647 is applied in modem firmware version; check with device manufacturer for update confirmation.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected modem resets
EMM protocol errors
System crash logs mentioning modem

Network Indicators:

Abnormal EMM message patterns
Unexpected modem disconnections

SIEM Query:

Search for modem crash events, baseband resets, or EMM protocol violations in device logs.

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-32890

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-20

Published: January 2, 2024

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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