CVE-2024-20029

8.4 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in MediaTek wlan firmware due to improper input validation. It allows local attackers to escalate privileges to System level without user interaction. Devices using affected MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable firmware versions are at risk.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • MediaTek wlan firmware
Versions: Specific versions not publicly detailed in advisory
Operating Systems: Android and other embedded systems using MediaTek chipsets
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects devices with MediaTek chipsets using vulnerable wlan firmware versions. Exact device models not specified in public advisory.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise with kernel-level code execution, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.

🟠

Likely Case

Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass application sandboxes, access protected system resources, or install unauthorized applications.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper network segmentation, least privilege principles, and security monitoring in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH

🎯 Exploit Status

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

Requires local access and System execution privileges to exploit. No public exploit code available as of advisory publication.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware with Patch ID: ALPS08477406

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

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply firmware patch ALPS08477406. 3. Reboot device after update. 4. Verify patch installation.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Wi-Fi if not needed

android

Temporarily disable Wi-Fi functionality to prevent exploitation through wlan firmware

adb shell svc wifi disable
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Turn off

Restrict local access

all

Implement strict access controls to limit local system access to trusted users only

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Segment affected devices on isolated network segments
  • Implement strict application whitelisting and endpoint protection

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device firmware version against manufacturer's patched versions. Contact device vendor for specific vulnerability testing.

Check Version:

Manufacturer-specific commands vary by device. Typically: adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint or device settings > About phone > Build number

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version includes Patch ID ALPS08477406. Check with manufacturer for specific verification procedures.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unexpected privilege escalation events
  • Suspicious wlan firmware access attempts
  • Kernel panic or system crashes

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual local network traffic patterns from affected devices

SIEM Query:

EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%wlan%' AND IntegrityLevel='System'

🔗 References

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