CVE-2024-20091
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the vdec component of MediaTek chipsets. It allows local information disclosure but requires System execution privileges to exploit. The vulnerability affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with the vulnerable vdec implementation.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipsets with vdec component
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with System privileges could read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other protected information.
Likely Case
Local information disclosure where an attacker with elevated privileges reads adjacent memory contents, potentially exposing some system information but not full system compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and SELinux/app sandboxing, impact is limited to the specific process context with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires System execution privileges and knowledge of memory layout. No user interaction needed but requires elevated access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS09028313
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/October-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply the patch ALPS09028313. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch application through system logs.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privileges
androidLimit which applications and services have System execution privileges through SELinux policies and app sandboxing.
# Review SELinux policies: getenforce
# Check app permissions: pm list permissions -g
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting and privilege separation to minimize attack surface
- Monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version and patch level against MediaTek security bulletins. Look for vdec component version in system logs.Check Version:
# Check build fingerprint: getprop ro.build.fingerprintVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS09028313 is applied in system update logs and check that vdec component no longer exhibits the vulnerability.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual memory access patterns in vdec logs
- Privilege escalation attempts to System level
- Kernel panic or memory corruption warnings
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND ("vdec" OR "ALPS09028313") AND ("out_of_bounds" OR "memory_access")