CVE-2022-39109 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in multiple Unisoc (Shanghai) Technologies Co., Ltd. chipsets, including SC9863A, SC9832E, SC7731E, T610, T310, T606, T760, T618, T612, T616, T770, T820, and S8000. These chipsets are commonly integrated into Android 10 and Android 11 devices. The vulnerability stems from a missing authorization check within the Music service component of the affected devices. Specifically, the Music service fails to verify permissions properly, allowing an attacker with limited privileges (low-level privileges) to elevate their privileges within the Music service context without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the vulnerability allows unauthorized access and potential control over the Music service. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker needs local access to the device, and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), indicating that exploitation does not require specialized conditions. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N), and privileges required are low (PR:L), which means an attacker with limited access can exploit this flaw. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation on devices using these chipsets. Given the widespread use of Unisoc chipsets in budget and mid-range smartphones, the vulnerability could affect a large number of devices globally. The missing authorization check (CWE-862) is a common security weakness that can lead to unauthorized actions within software components, and in this case, it compromises the security of the Music service, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or access sensitive data or functions within that service.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-39109 depends largely on the prevalence of devices using the affected Unisoc chipsets within their operational environment. Enterprises that issue or support Android devices incorporating these chipsets could face risks including unauthorized access to device services, potential data leakage, or manipulation of device functions via the Music service. Although the vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, it could be exploited by malicious insiders or through other local attack vectors such as compromised applications or physical access. This could lead to escalation of privileges on the device, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive information, or disrupt device availability. In sectors where mobile devices are used for sensitive communications or data handling (e.g., finance, healthcare, government), this vulnerability could undermine device integrity and confidentiality. Furthermore, given the high CVSS score and the broad impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations relying on these devices should consider the vulnerability a significant risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation, especially as proof-of-concept code could emerge. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of supply chain security and device firmware integrity for European organizations deploying mobile technology.

1. Device Inventory and Assessment: Identify all devices within the organization that use Unisoc chipsets listed in the vulnerability (SC9863A, SC9832E, SC7731E, T610, T310, T606, T760, T618, T612, T616, T770, T820, S8000) running Android 10 or 11. 2. Firmware and OS Updates: Coordinate with device manufacturers and vendors to obtain and apply patches or firmware updates that address this vulnerability. Although no patch links are provided, monitoring Unisoc and device OEM advisories is critical. 3. Restrict Local Access: Enforce strict physical security controls and device usage policies to minimize opportunities for local attackers to exploit the vulnerability. 4. Application Whitelisting and Hardening: Limit installation of untrusted applications that could leverage local privilege escalation and monitor for suspicious app behavior related to the Music service. 5. Mobile Device Management (MDM): Use MDM solutions to enforce security policies, monitor device integrity, and remotely manage or disable vulnerable devices if patches are unavailable. 6. User Awareness and Training: Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of device security to reduce the attack surface. 7. Network Segmentation: Limit network access for mobile devices, especially those with known vulnerabilities, to reduce lateral movement risks. 8. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts by monitoring device logs and anomalous behavior related to the Music service or privilege escalations. 9. Vendor Engagement: Engage with Unisoc and device OEMs to advocate for timely patch releases and transparency about vulnerability remediation status.