CVE-2022-21761 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in the apusys driver of certain MediaTek devices, leading to a potential denial of service attack. This CVE, assigned CVE-2022-21761, requires immediate attention to prevent exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2022-21761

This section provides detailed insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2022-21761?

CVE-2022-21761 involves an integer overflow issue within the apusys driver of MediaTek devices. This vulnerability could result in a system crash, potentially leading to a local denial of service. Notably, the exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, posing a significant risk to affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21761

The impact of CVE-2022-21761 is severe as it could allow attackers to execute a denial of service attack without the need for privileged access. By exploiting the integer overflow in the apusys driver, malicious actors can disrupt the normal operation of the system, leading to potential system crashes and service unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21761

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the apusys driver is triggered by an integer overflow, which can cause a system crash. This critical flaw requires immediate attention to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects a range of MediaTek devices, including MT6853, MT6853T, MT6873, MT6875, MT6877, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6891, MT6893, MT9636, MT9638, and MT9666 running Android 11.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2022-21761 does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. Threat actors can exploit the integer overflow in the apusys driver to launch local denial of service attacks on vulnerable devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard devices against CVE-2022-21761, proactive security measures must be implemented to mitigate the risk of exploitation and prevent potential service disruptions.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply the provided patch ID ALPS06479532 to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, users should monitor security bulletins from MediaTek for further updates and guidance.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols and regularly updating system software can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Conducting security assessments and staying informed about potential threats are essential practices for maintaining device security.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to regularly check for security patches and updates from MediaTek to ensure their devices are protected against known vulnerabilities. Timely installation of patches and firmware updates is imperative for maintaining the security of MediaTek devices.