CVE-2022-20036 in MT6735
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
In ion driver, there is a possible information disclosure due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS06171689; Issue ID: ALPS06171689.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20036 resides within the ion driver component of Android systems, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper bounds checking mechanisms. This issue affects the kernel-level memory management subsystem responsible for handling ion memory allocations and operations. The vulnerability manifests when the ion driver fails to properly validate memory boundaries during certain operations, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data access. The flaw specifically impacts the memory management functions that handle buffer allocations and deallocations, where insufficient validation allows for memory access beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic bounds checking error where the ion driver does not adequately verify the size parameters of memory operations before processing them. This allows an attacker to potentially read memory contents from adjacent buffer regions or kernel memory spaces that should remain protected. The flaw exists in the driver's memory management logic where input validation occurs after memory operations have already begun, creating a window where memory can be accessed without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level and requires no user interaction for exploitation, making it a significant security risk.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a local information disclosure threat that can result in exposure of sensitive kernel memory contents, potentially including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in memory. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require user interaction or elevated privileges, meaning any local process on the system could potentially exploit this flaw. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as the leaked information could be used to further compromise system security through techniques such as privilege escalation or targeted attacks against other system components. This vulnerability represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and memory isolation that is fundamental to secure operating system design.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the patch identified by patch ID ALPS06171689, which contains the necessary code modifications to correct the bounds checking implementation within the ion driver. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this patch across all affected systems, particularly those running Android versions that include the vulnerable ion driver component. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish baseline memory access patterns to identify anomalous behavior. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-129 issue related to insufficient bounds checking, which is categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through kernel exploitation. Security teams should conduct thorough testing of the patch to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations while maintaining operational stability.