CVE-2022-20147 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In nfa_dm_check_set_config of nfa_dm_main.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege 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-221216105
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20147 resides within the nfa_dm_check_set_config function in the nfa_dm_main.cc source file of Android's NFC subsystem. This represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that fundamentally compromises memory integrity within the device's NFC management component. The issue manifests when the system processes configuration settings for NFC devices without performing adequate bounds checking on input parameters, creating a pathway for arbitrary memory corruption that can be exploited by local malicious actors.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write, which is classified as a severe memory safety issue that directly enables privilege escalation attacks. The flaw occurs specifically in the NFC device management module where configuration parameters are validated and applied to NFC hardware components. The absence of proper input validation allows attackers to craft malicious configuration data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects Android versions 10 through 12, indicating it has been present in the codebase for multiple major releases, suggesting a widespread impact across numerous device models and manufacturers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This means that any application running with standard user privileges can potentially exploit this flaw to gain root access to the device, effectively bypassing all Android security boundaries. The attack vector requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently in the background. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence in the NFC management subsystem is especially problematic since NFC functionality is often used for secure transactions and device pairing operations, creating additional attack surfaces for malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20147 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as this vulnerability represents a critical threat to device integrity and user security. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious NFC-related activities and ensure all devices are updated to the latest Android security patches. The fix should involve implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms in the nfa_dm_check_set_config function to validate all input parameters against predetermined buffer limits before any memory operations are performed. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies for NFC-related applications and conduct regular security audits of device management components to identify potential similar vulnerabilities in other subsystems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-critical code sections and highlights the need for comprehensive code reviews focused on memory safety practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.