CVE-2024-20082 – This critical vulnerability in MediaTek modem f... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-20082?

CVE-2024-20082 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This critical vulnerability in MediaTek modem firmware allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication or user interaction. It affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek modem chipsets, potentially impacting smartphones, IoT devices, and other embedded systems.

📋 TL;DR

This critical vulnerability in MediaTek modem firmware allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication or user interaction. It affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek modem chipsets, potentially impacting smartphones, IoT devices, and other embedded systems.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

MediaTek modem chipsets

Versions: Specific versions not publicly detailed; check MediaTek advisory for affected chipset models

Operating Systems: Android and other embedded OS using MediaTek modems

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices with vulnerable MediaTek modem firmware; exact device models depend on OEM implementation

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing persistent remote access, data exfiltration, and use as attack platform

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution leading to device takeover, surveillance capabilities, or botnet recruitment

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if network segmentation and strict access controls prevent modem interface exposure

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Exploitable remotely without authentication via cellular network or exposed modem interfaces

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Requires network access to modem interface but no authentication

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Memory corruption vulnerability requiring specific modem protocol knowledge but no authentication

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patch ID: MOLY01182594

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

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates
2. Apply MediaTek-provided modem firmware patch
3. Reboot device after patch installation

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network segmentation

all

Isolate devices with vulnerable modems from untrusted networks

Disable unnecessary modem interfaces

all

Turn off unused modem features and network interfaces

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Segment vulnerable devices in isolated network zones
Implement strict network access controls to modem interfaces

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device specifications for MediaTek modem chipset and contact manufacturer for vulnerability status

Check Version:

Manufacturer-specific commands; typically requires diagnostic mode or OEM tools

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify modem firmware version includes patch MOLY01182594 via manufacturer tools

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual modem firmware crashes
Suspicious modem interface access patterns

Network Indicators:

Anomalous modem protocol traffic
Unexpected cellular data patterns

SIEM Query:

Not applicable - modem firmware events typically not logged to standard SIEM

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-20082

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-119

Published: August 14, 2024

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

🔗 References

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

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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