CVE-2022-32622 is a vulnerability identified in several MediaTek system-on-chip (SoC) models, specifically MT6789, MT6855, MT6879, MT6895, MT6983, and MT8781, which are widely used in mobile devices running Android versions 11, 12, and 13. The root cause of this vulnerability is a missing bounds check in the 'gz' component, leading to possible memory corruption. This memory corruption can be exploited locally to achieve elevation of privilege, allowing an attacker with existing system execution privileges to escalate their privileges further. Notably, exploitation does not require any user interaction, increasing the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which typically results in memory corruption issues that can compromise system stability and security. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.7, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector string AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack requires local access and high privileges but no user interaction, and successful exploitation can lead to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of a patch (ALPS07363786) suggests that vendors have addressed the issue. Given the affected SoCs are embedded in many Android smartphones, this vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious applications or local attackers to gain unauthorized control or access sensitive data on affected devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32622 primarily concerns mobile device security, especially for employees using smartphones powered by the affected MediaTek chipsets. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges on compromised devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access to corporate data, interception of communications, or installation of persistent malware. This is particularly critical for sectors relying heavily on mobile communications and remote work, such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's requirement for local system execution privileges limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as malware or insider threats could leverage this flaw. Additionally, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that compromised devices could be used as entry points into corporate networks or for espionage. Given the widespread use of MediaTek chipsets in mid-range and budget smartphones popular in Europe, the threat surface is significant. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild and the availability of patches reduce immediate risk if organizations maintain good patch management and device hygiene.

1. Ensure all Android devices using MediaTek MT6789, MT6855, MT6879, MT6895, MT6983, and MT8781 chipsets are updated promptly with the latest security patches, specifically those addressing ALPS07363786. 2. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce patch compliance and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could exploit local vulnerabilities. 3. Restrict local privilege escalation by limiting user permissions on devices and disabling unnecessary system execution privileges where possible. 4. Monitor device behavior for signs of privilege escalation attempts or unusual local activity, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile platforms. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing applications from unverified sources, as local execution privileges are required for exploitation. 6. For organizations deploying custom Android builds or firmware, ensure that the 'gz' component is reviewed and patched accordingly. 7. Coordinate with device vendors and carriers to verify that devices in use have received the necessary security updates.