CVE-2022-20057 in MT6739
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2022
In btif, there is a possible memory corruption due to incorrect error handling. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS06271186; Issue ID: ALPS06271186.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20057 resides within the Bluetooth Interface Transaction Framework (btif) component of Android operating systems, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that can potentially enable local privilege escalation. This issue stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the btif module, which processes Bluetooth-related transactions and communications between various system components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system fails to properly validate or handle error conditions during Bluetooth interface operations, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious local users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local attacker with system execution privileges to initiate the attack vector, typically through crafted Bluetooth communications or interface interactions that trigger the faulty error handling path. When the btif component encounters an unexpected condition during Bluetooth transaction processing, the improper error management leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw operates under the principle of incorrect error handling as classified by CWE-704, where the system fails to properly manage exceptional conditions that should result in graceful degradation or secure error states rather than memory corruption. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation through improper error handling and memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20057 extends beyond simple memory corruption to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who can execute code with system privileges can leverage this vulnerability to gain root access or elevate their privileges to the highest level available within the Android system. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation typically occurs through user-initiated Bluetooth operations or connections, making this vulnerability particularly concerning in environments where Bluetooth functionality is frequently used or where users may be tricked into connecting to malicious Bluetooth devices. The patch ID ALPS06271186 indicates this was addressed through a specific system update that corrected the error handling logic within the btif module, implementing proper validation and error management procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patch deployment, as the manufacturer has provided a specific fix through ALPS06271186. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to the patched versions, particularly those running vulnerable versions of the Android operating system where btif functionality is active. Additional defensive measures include implementing Bluetooth device access controls, limiting Bluetooth functionality in restricted environments, and monitoring for unusual Bluetooth transaction patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections and memory corruption detection mechanisms that can identify and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar error handling vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust error handling in system components that process external inputs, as improper error management can create pathways for privilege escalation attacks that bypass normal security controls.