CVE-2022-20131 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In nci_proc_rf_management_ntf of nci_hrcv.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure 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-221856662
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20131 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem of Android operating systems. This flaw exists in the nci_proc_rf_management_ntf function located in the nci_hrcv.cc source file, which handles radio frequency management notifications within the NFC controller interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing incoming NFC radio frequency management notifications without proper bounds validation, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted data could trigger memory access violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of input validation within the NFC processing pipeline. When the system receives radio frequency management notifications from NFC controllers, the nci_proc_rf_management_ntf function fails to validate the length or boundaries of the incoming data structure before attempting to access memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a predictable memory access pattern that adversaries can exploit to read data from adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the NFC subsystem which maintains persistent connections and receives continuous notifications from NFC hardware components, providing multiple potential attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The attack can be executed through NFC communication channels where an attacker can send specially crafted radio frequency management notifications to a vulnerable Android device. The implications extend beyond simple data leakage as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive information such as kernel memory contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where NFC is frequently used for transactions, authentication, or data exchange.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have plagued mobile operating systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1595.001 for "Network Denial of Service" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it could potentially be leveraged to extract information that might aid in further exploitation. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited passively, without any user awareness or consent, during normal NFC operations. The affected Android versions including Android 10, 11, 12, and 12L represent a substantial portion of active mobile devices, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability across the mobile ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking within the NFC processing functions, particularly in the nci_proc_rf_management_ntf function. System updates and patches should enforce strict validation of incoming NFC notification data structures before any memory access operations occur. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and NFC communication restrictions in high-security environments where the risk of exploitation is elevated. Additionally, regular security audits of NFC subsystems and input validation mechanisms should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.