CVE-2022-20156 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In unflatten of GraphicBuffer.cpp, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-212803946References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20156 resides within the GraphicBuffer.cpp implementation in Android kernel components, specifically within the unflatten function. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for arbitrary code execution through improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it highly exploitable within targeted environments. The issue stems from insufficient validation of input parameters during the buffer unflattening process, which creates opportunities for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests in the GraphicBuffer.cpp file where the unflatten function processes incoming data structures without adequate validation checks. This function is responsible for reconstructing buffer objects from serialized data, and the lack of proper input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious payloads that can bypass normal execution boundaries. The flaw operates at the kernel level, which means successful exploitation can grant attackers elevated privileges within the Android operating system. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write errors. The attack vector is classified as local privilege escalation since the vulnerability does not require user interaction or additional privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where kernel-level access could be leveraged for system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20156 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android systems by enabling unauthorized privilege escalation. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to gain root access to devices, modify system files, install malicious applications, or extract sensitive data from protected system components. The absence of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when the vulnerable system processes malicious input, whether through normal system operations or through targeted attacks on specific applications that utilize the affected kernel components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under the T1068 category, specifically targeting kernel-level privilege escalation methods. The vulnerability affects Android kernel implementations and is associated with Android ID A-212803946, indicating its integration within the Android security tracking system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20156 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as the vulnerability requires kernel-level fixes that cannot be addressed through application-level workarounds. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on kernel-level activities and privilege escalation events. System administrators should ensure that all Android devices are updated with the latest security patches, as this vulnerability is specifically targeted at kernel components that require official firmware updates for remediation. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel-level security validation and the necessity of thorough input validation mechanisms in system components that handle untrusted data from various sources.