CVE-2024-20122
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the vdec component of MediaTek chipsets, which could allow local information disclosure. Attackers need system execution privileges to exploit this vulnerability, but no user interaction is required. 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 unintended memory contents, potentially exposing system information or application data.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to information disclosure within the system context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires system execution privileges but no user interaction. Exploitation involves triggering the out-of-bounds read condition in the vdec component.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS09008925
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/November-2024
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply the patch ALPS09008925. 3. Reboot the device after patching. 4. Verify the patch is applied correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict system privileges
allLimit applications and users with system execution privileges to reduce attack surface
Disable unnecessary vdec functionality
linuxIf video decoding functionality is not required, consider disabling or restricting access to vdec components
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict privilege separation and least privilege access controls
- Monitor for unusual system activity and memory access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version and compare against patched versions from manufacturer. Look for patch ID ALPS09008925 in system updates.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer. Typically: 'getprop ro.build.fingerprint' or 'cat /proc/version' on Android devices.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify that patch ALPS09008925 is applied in system firmware/software version information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual memory access patterns in system logs
- Multiple failed attempts to access vdec components
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Process execution with system privileges accessing vdec components followed by unusual memory read patterns