CVE-2024-20053
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in MediaTek's flashc component allows an attacker with system privileges to perform an out-of-bounds write due to an uncaught exception, leading to local privilege escalation. It affects MediaTek devices using vulnerable firmware versions. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek devices with vulnerable flashc component
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Openwrt by Openwrt
Openwrt by Openwrt
Rdk B by Rdkcentral
Yocto by Linuxfoundation
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attacker to execute arbitrary code with highest privileges, potentially gaining persistent access to the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps or users to gain elevated system privileges on affected MediaTek devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and app sandboxing are enforced, though system-level compromise remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires system execution privileges initially. The vulnerability is in a low-level component making exploitation non-trivial but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS08541757
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/April-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek patch ALPS08541757. 3. Update device firmware to latest version containing the fix. 4. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app permissions
androidLimit system permissions for apps to reduce attack surface
Disable unnecessary system services
androidReduce exposure by disabling unused system components
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting and permission controls
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version and patch level against MediaTek security bulletin. Contact device manufacturer for vulnerability status.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer. Typically: Settings > About Phone > Build NumberVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS08541757 is applied in device firmware. Check with manufacturer for updated firmware version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious access to flashc component
- Crash logs from flashc service
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for privilege escalation events or flashc component crashes in device logs