CVE-2024-20015
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in MediaTek telephony components where an attacker can bypass permissions checks to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous. It affects Android devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable telephony software.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipset-based Android devices
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local access could gain full system/root privileges, potentially compromising the entire device, accessing sensitive data, installing persistent malware, or disabling security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could exploit this to escape sandbox restrictions, access telephony functions without permission, read SMS/call logs, or perform other privileged operations they shouldn't have access to.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated. In environments with strict app vetting and minimal local access, the risk is significantly reduced even before patching.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires local access but no user interaction or additional privileges, suggesting relatively straightforward exploitation for attackers with local access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS08441419
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/February-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for security updates
2. Apply the February 2024 MediaTek security patch (ALPS08441419)
3. Reboot device after patch installation
4. Verify patch installation through system settings
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local app installations
androidPrevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit the vulnerability
Disable unnecessary telephony permissions
androidReview and restrict app permissions related to telephony functions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent malicious apps from running
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before February 2024 and using MediaTek chipset, likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level includes February 2024 MediaTek updates. Check for patch ID ALPS08441419 in system information if available.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual telephony service access attempts
- Permission bypass attempts in system logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from telephony services
- Suspicious SMS/call log access patterns
SIEM Query:
source="android_system_logs" AND (event="permission_violation" OR event="privilege_escalation") AND component="telephony"