CVE-2022-20044 in MT8167
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
In Bluetooth, there is a possible service crash due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS06126814; Issue ID: ALPS06126814.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
This vulnerability resides within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android operating systems and represents a critical use after free condition that can result in arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain Bluetooth service requests, specifically involving memory management operations that fail to properly validate object references before subsequent memory deallocation. This memory safety issue allows an attacker to manipulate the system's memory state and potentially execute malicious code with the highest available privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction for exploitation and can be triggered through normal Bluetooth service operations, making it highly accessible to attackers who may already have limited system access.
The technical implementation of this flaw follows a classic use after free pattern where a pointer reference to a memory object is maintained after the object has been freed, creating a scenario where subsequent operations on that reference can corrupt memory or enable code injection. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as "Use After Free" and represents a fundamental memory management error that can be exploited through various attack vectors within the Bluetooth stack. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the Bluetooth service runs with elevated privileges, allowing for complete system compromise without requiring additional attack surfaces or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's Bluetooth functionality and underlying system resources. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root access to the device, enabling them to install malicious applications, access all stored data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is constantly active, such as in mobile devices, automotive systems, or IoT devices that maintain continuous Bluetooth connectivity. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and specifically targets the kernel-level exploitation pathways that are often overlooked in traditional security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the memory management error within the Bluetooth service implementation. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected Android devices and systems, particularly those in high-risk environments where Bluetooth connectivity is prevalent. Additional defensive measures include implementing Bluetooth access controls, disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services, and monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and device isolation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous privilege escalation behaviors and unauthorized Bluetooth service modifications. The patch referenced as ALPS06126814 specifically addresses the memory management flaw in the Bluetooth service component, making it essential for all affected systems to apply this update as part of their vulnerability management protocols.