CVE-2022-32620 is a vulnerability identified in several MediaTek system-on-chip (SoC) models, specifically MT6781, MT6789, MT6833, MT6853, MT6873, MT6877, MT8781, and MT8791. These SoCs are widely used in mobile devices running Android versions 11, 12, and 13. The vulnerability stems from a logic error in the Memory Protection Unit (MPU) implementation, which leads to possible memory corruption. This memory corruption can be exploited locally by an attacker with existing system execution privileges to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining full system-level control. Notably, exploitation does not require any user interaction, which increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that the logic error allows writing outside the intended memory boundaries, which can corrupt memory and lead to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting a medium severity level, with attack vector being local, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. While no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the presence of a patch (ALPS07541753) indicates that MediaTek has addressed the issue. However, the patch availability and deployment depend on device manufacturers and carriers, which may delay mitigation on end-user devices. Given the widespread use of these MediaTek SoCs in consumer and enterprise mobile devices, this vulnerability represents a significant risk for privilege escalation attacks that could be leveraged to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or install persistent malware on affected devices.

For European organizations, especially those relying on mobile devices powered by MediaTek SoCs listed in this vulnerability, the impact can be substantial. An attacker with local system privileges—potentially through a compromised app or insider threat—could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, enabling them to bypass security mechanisms, access confidential corporate data, or disrupt device functionality. This could lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or operational disruptions. The fact that no user interaction is required makes automated exploitation feasible once local access is obtained. Industries with high mobile device usage such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors in Europe could face increased risks. Additionally, organizations employing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may have a larger attack surface due to varying patch levels and device management controls. The vulnerability also poses risks to critical infrastructure sectors that utilize mobile devices for operational communications and control, potentially affecting availability and integrity of services.

Ensure that all mobile devices using affected MediaTek SoCs are updated promptly with the latest security patches provided by device manufacturers or carriers. Verify patch deployment status through mobile device management (MDM) solutions. Implement strict application whitelisting and privilege management policies to limit the ability of local applications to gain system execution privileges, reducing the risk of local exploitation. Monitor devices for unusual privilege escalations or suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile platforms. Limit physical and logical access to devices to trusted personnel only, as the vulnerability requires local system privileges to exploit. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce minimum security standards including mandatory patching and device compliance checks before granting access to corporate resources. Engage with device vendors and carriers to obtain timely information on patch availability and coordinate deployment strategies to minimize exposure windows. Consider network segmentation and zero-trust principles to reduce the impact of compromised devices on broader organizational networks.