CVE-2022-20127 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In ce_t4t_data_cback of ce_t4t.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a double free. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-221862119
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
This vulnerability resides within the NFC (Near Field Communication) stack of Android operating systems, specifically in the ce_t4t_data_cback function located in the ce_t4t.cc source file. The flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that manifests through a double free condition during NFC tag communication processing. The vulnerability affects Android versions 10 through 12L, making it a widespread concern across multiple platform versions. The double free occurs when the system attempts to free the same memory block twice, creating a scenario where subsequent memory operations can overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NFC controller's handling of Type 4 Tag communication callbacks, where the ce_t4t_data_cback function processes incoming NFC data. When a malicious NFC tag or device sends specially crafted data to an Android device, the system's memory management routines can trigger the double free condition. This memory corruption creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting critical data structures or function pointers. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-415: Double Free, which is a well-documented memory safety issue that has been exploited in numerous security incidents. The attack vector requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through NFC communication without requiring physical access or user consent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to Android device security since it enables remote code execution with no privilege escalation required. The attack can be initiated simply by presenting a malicious NFC tag to an affected Android device, making it extremely difficult to defend against in real-world scenarios. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that NFC functionality is commonly enabled on Android devices and frequently used in various applications including mobile payments, access control systems, and data transfer protocols. The potential impact extends beyond individual device compromise to include broader security implications for NFC-based services and applications that rely on Android's NFC stack for secure communication. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the double free condition through proper memory management controls and validation routines. Organizations should implement immediate patch deployment across all affected Android devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where NFC functionality is commonly used. Device administrators should consider disabling NFC functionality when not required for specific use cases, although this approach reduces overall device utility. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety practices in embedded systems and mobile platforms, where improper memory management can lead to critical security flaws. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any custom NFC applications or services that might be susceptible to similar memory corruption issues, as the underlying root cause involves fundamental memory management flaws that could affect other components of the NFC stack or related subsystems.