CVE-2020-0069 MediaTek Multiple Chipsets: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 3, 2022
What to do
- Install MediaTek's security update for Multiple Chipsets. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Mediatek Multiple Chipsets Insufficient Input Validation Vulnerability
- Product
- MediaTek Multiple Chipsets
- CISA description
- Multiple MediaTek chipsets contain an insufficient input validation vulnerability and have missing SELinux restrictions in the Command Queue drivers ioctl handlers. This causes an out-of-bounds write leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability was observed chained with CVE-2019-2215 and CVE-2020-0041 under exploit chain "AbstractEmu."
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-787)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- May 3, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2020-0069 ·
Questions about CVE-2020-0069
Is CVE-2020-0069 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-0069 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0069?
Install MediaTek's security update for Multiple Chipsets. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2020-0069?
Only if you use MediaTek Multiple Chipsets. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.