CVE-2024-20059
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on MediaTek devices due to an incorrect status check in the 'da' component. Attackers can gain SYSTEM privileges without user interaction. Affects MediaTek-based Android devices and other embedded systems using vulnerable MediaTek chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek-based Android devices
- Embedded systems with MediaTek chipsets
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and bypassing all security controls.
Likely Case
Local attackers gain elevated privileges to access sensitive data, modify system settings, or install malicious applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper patch management and least privilege principles are enforced, though risk remains until patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and SYSTEM execution privileges for initial foothold. No public exploit code available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS08541749
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/May-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS08541749. 3. Update device firmware to latest version. 4. Reboot device after patching.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to vulnerable devices
Disable unnecessary services
linuxReduce attack surface by disabling non-essential services running with elevated privileges
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual SYSTEM-level activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset and firmware version against MediaTek advisory. Contact manufacturer for vulnerability status.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; typically: getprop ro.build.fingerprint (Android) or cat /proc/version (Linux)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS08541749 is applied in firmware version. Check with manufacturer for confirmation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Unexpected SYSTEM process execution
- Modifications to system binaries
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Process creation with parent-child privilege escalation OR System privilege acquisition from non-system users