CVE-2024-20006 is a vulnerability identified in multiple MediaTek chipsets (MT2713, MT6781, MT6880, MT6890, MT8188T) that manifests as an out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check in the device's firmware or software components. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), which can lead to memory corruption. The flaw allows a local attacker who already has system execution privileges to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining higher-level system control. Exploitation does not require user interaction, increasing the risk if an attacker has local access. The affected platforms include Android 11.0, OpenWrt versions 19.07 and 21.02, and RDK-B 22Q3, indicating that a range of embedded and consumer devices such as smartphones, routers, and set-top boxes could be impacted. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6 (medium), with vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning network attack vector, high attack complexity, requires high privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits are known yet, and MediaTek has assigned a patch ID ALPS08477148 to address the issue. The vulnerability's root cause is a missing bounds check that allows memory corruption, which can be leveraged to elevate privileges locally, potentially compromising the device's security posture.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-20006 can be significant, especially for those relying on devices powered by the affected MediaTek chipsets. These devices are commonly found in telecommunications equipment, IoT devices, embedded systems, and consumer electronics. Successful exploitation could allow attackers with local system access to escalate privileges, leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. This could affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions. In critical infrastructure sectors such as telecom, energy, and public services, compromised devices could disrupt operations or be used as footholds for further attacks. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is gained, increasing risk in environments where physical or network local access is possible. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the presence of a patch indicates the vendor's recognition of the threat, and delayed patching could increase exposure.

1. Apply the official patches from MediaTek as soon as they become available, referencing Patch ID ALPS08477148. 2. For devices running affected firmware versions (Android 11.0, OpenWrt 19.07/21.02, RDK-B 22Q3), coordinate with vendors or service providers to ensure firmware updates are deployed promptly. 3. Restrict local system access to trusted personnel only, employing strong access controls and monitoring for unauthorized local logins. 4. Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks or users. 5. Deploy host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. 6. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for signs of exploitation or suspicious activity. 7. For IoT and embedded devices, consider device replacement or isolation if patching is not feasible. 8. Educate operational teams about the vulnerability and the importance of timely updates. 9. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit code or attack campaigns targeting this vulnerability. 10. Coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure all affected devices are identified and remediated.