CVE-2022-20186 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In kbase_mem_alias of mali_kbase_mem_linux.c, 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-215001024References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20186 resides within the Android kernel's Mali GPU driver implementation, specifically in the kbase_mem_alias function located in mali_kbase_mem_linux.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify memory allocation parameters, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs during memory aliasing operations where the kernel fails to validate the boundaries and legitimacy of memory regions being manipulated. This improper validation creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious inputs that cause the kernel to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing normal security restrictions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any local user with access to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to Android devices running affected kernel versions, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through legitimate system calls that are normally used for memory management operations. The implications extend beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain root-level access to the device, potentially enabling full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access. The vulnerability's classification under the Android ID A-215001024 indicates its severity and the need for immediate remediation across affected device populations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20186 should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers and Google. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities and establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security fixes. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should include runtime integrity checks for memory management operations and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors, while security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential indirect impacts from similar memory handling flaws within the system. The ATT&CK framework's T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation is particularly relevant, as this vulnerability directly enables such attacks through kernel-level memory manipulation.