CVE-2022-20182 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In handle_ramdump of pixel_loader.c, there is a possible way to create a ramdump of non-secure memory due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-222348453References: N/A
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20182 resides within the pixel_loader.c component of the Android kernel, specifically in the handle_ramdump function. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that enables unauthorized access to non-secure memory regions through improper permission validation. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where an attacker with system execution privileges can potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected. The absence of proper permission checks during ramdump operations creates an exploitable condition that directly violates fundamental security principles of memory isolation and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the handle_ramdump function failing to validate whether the requesting process possesses adequate permissions to access the targeted memory segments. This missing validation step allows any process running with system-level privileges to trigger ramdump operations against non-secure memory areas that typically should be restricted. The flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, specifically in the context of inadequate permission checking during system-level operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Android devices as it enables local information disclosure attacks that can expose sensitive data stored in non-secure memory regions. The requirement for system execution privileges means that exploitation can occur through legitimate system processes or applications with elevated permissions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such privileges are commonly granted. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as ramdump operations can potentially reveal cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, user credentials, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which focuses on data from local system, and T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreter usage for privilege escalation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20182 should focus on implementing comprehensive permission validation within the handle_ramdump function and related memory access operations. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all memory access operations include proper validation of process privileges and memory segment permissions before allowing ramdump operations to proceed. This includes implementing additional checks to verify that only authorized processes can access specific memory regions, particularly those containing sensitive data. Regular security audits of kernel components should be conducted to identify similar permission validation gaps, and patch management processes should be prioritized to address this vulnerability promptly. The fix should involve strengthening the access control mechanisms within the pixel_loader.c module to ensure that ramdump operations are properly restricted based on process capabilities and memory segment classifications.