CVE-2022-20183 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In hypx_create_blob_dmabuf of faceauth_hypx.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-188911154References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20183 resides within the Android kernel's face authentication subsystem, specifically in the hypx_create_blob_dmabuf function located in the faceauth_hypx.c source file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially enable local privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability stems from an insufficient bounds check implementation that fails to validate input parameters before performing memory operations. According to the Android Security Team's reporting, this issue affects Android kernel versions and carries the Android ID A-188911154, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The flaw occurs during the creation of DMA buffer blobs within the face authentication framework, where the hypx_create_blob_dmabuf function does not properly validate the size or boundaries of data being written to memory locations. This missing validation allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions, leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, meaning that an attacker must already have some level of access to the system to leverage this weakness effectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it directly affects the integrity and security of the Android face authentication system. When exploited, this out-of-bounds write could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire device's security posture. The implications are particularly concerning given that face authentication systems typically handle sensitive biometric data and serve as primary authentication mechanisms for device access. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication controls, access protected data, or establish persistent backdoors within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20183 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as recommended by Google's security team. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices to versions that include fixes for this vulnerability, particularly in enterprise environments where security is paramount. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel-level code, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security assessments of kernel modules and input validation routines should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.