CVE-2022-21772 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A type confusion vulnerability in the TEEI driver of certain MediaTek processors could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges without user interaction, posing a risk of system execution privilege compromise.

Understanding CVE-2022-21772

This CVE details a security issue in MediaTek processors that could lead to privilege escalation without the need for user interaction.

What is CVE-2022-21772?

CVE-2022-21772 is a type confusion vulnerability in the TEEI driver of select MediaTek processors, potentially exploited by a local attacker to gain elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21772

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to escalate privileges without requiring user interaction, posing a significant risk of compromising system execution privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21772

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a type confusion in the TEEI driver, triggered by a race condition. This flaw enables a local attacker to potentially escalate privileges without the need for user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products affected include a range of MediaTek processors running Android 11.0 and 12.0. The list of affected processors includes MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6771, MT6779, MT6833, MT6879, MT6885, MT6893, MT6895, MT6983, MT8185, MT8765, MT8766, MT8768, MT8785, MT8786, MT8788, MT8791, and MT8797.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker due to a type confusion in the TEEI driver, potentially leading to privilege escalation without user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of promptly applying patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately apply the provided patch ID: ALPS06493842 to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitor for any signs of exploitation or unauthorized system access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls, least privilege principles, and regular security audits to prevent similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from MediaTek and promptly apply patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.