CVE-2022-20032 in MT6781
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
In vow driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS05852822; Issue ID: ALPS05852822.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20032 resides within the vow driver component of a system, representing a critical memory corruption issue stemming from an inherent race condition. This flaw manifests in the driver's handling of concurrent operations where multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared memory resources simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms. The race condition creates a scenario where memory access patterns become unpredictable and potentially destructive, leading to corruption of critical data structures or memory regions that the driver manages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level within the vow driver, which typically requires system execution privileges to exploit effectively.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems where multiple threads or processes access shared resources concurrently without adequate protection mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of memory corruption that can occur when concurrent access to memory locations is not properly controlled through mutexes, semaphores, or other synchronization primitives. The vow driver's failure to implement proper locking mechanisms or atomic operations during critical sections of code creates an environment where memory corruption can occur unpredictably. This corruption can manifest as overwrites of critical control structures, buffer overflows, or other memory integrity issues that compromise system stability and security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure when exploited with system execution privileges, representing a significant security risk for systems running affected software. The requirement for system execution privileges indicates that exploitation typically occurs in environments where attackers already possess elevated access levels, potentially through legitimate administrative activities or other compromise vectors. The fact that user interaction is not required for exploitation suggests that the vulnerability can be triggered automatically through system operations or by other processes running with appropriate privileges. This autonomous exploitation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged without additional social engineering or user engagement.
The patch ID ALPS05852822 and corresponding issue ID ALPS05852822 indicate that this vulnerability was addressed through a specific software update or firmware revision designed to correct the race condition within the vow driver. The mitigation strategy likely involves implementing proper synchronization mechanisms to prevent concurrent access to shared memory resources, potentially through the addition of mutex locks, atomic operations, or other thread-safe programming constructs. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch immediately to prevent potential exploitation that could lead to unauthorized information disclosure or further privilege escalation within affected systems. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', suggests that successful exploitation could potentially lead to broader system compromise beyond just information disclosure.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to system integrity and data confidentiality, as memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior that may be exploited to gain additional privileges or access to sensitive information. The vow driver's role in system operations means that exploitation could potentially affect core system functionality, leading to denial of service conditions or more sophisticated attack vectors. Security teams should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where systems have not yet been patched. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper synchronization in kernel-level drivers and the potential consequences of race conditions in security-sensitive components.