CVE-2022-21773 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2022-21773 article provides an in-depth overview of a vulnerability affecting MediaTek devices running Android 11.0 and 12.0, potentially leading to local privilege escalation with System execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2022-21773

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2022-21773 vulnerability and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2022-21773?

CVE-2022-21773 involves a use after free vulnerability in the TEEI driver of MediaTek devices. The issue arises due to a race condition, allowing an attacker to locally escalate privileges without requiring user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21773

The vulnerability could be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation with the need for System execution privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21773

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE-2022-21773 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The use after free vulnerability in the TEEI driver of certain MediaTek devices running Android 11.0 and 12.0 allows for potential local privilege escalation, increasing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive resources.

Affected Systems and Versions

Devices powered by specific MediaTek processors, including but not limited to MT6735 and MT6765, running Android 11.0 and 12.0 versions are vulnerable to CVE-2022-21773.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through a race condition in the TEEI driver, enabling an attacker to manipulate memory allocation, leading to unauthorized access and potential privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the immediate steps to address the CVE-2022-21773 vulnerability and enhance long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches and updates provided by MediaTek to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Regularly monitoring for security bulletins and applying patches promptly is crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good security hygiene, such as avoiding suspicious links, managing app permissions, and using reputable security solutions, can help prevent potential security breaches on MediaTek devices.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that devices are up to date with the latest security patches is essential in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-21773. Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them promptly to maintain device security.