CVE-2022-20221 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
In avrc_ctrl_pars_vendor_cmd of avrc_pars_ct.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote information disclosure over Bluetooth 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-205571133
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-20221 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) implementation of Android operating systems. This issue exists in the avrc_ctrl_pars_vendor_cmd function located in the avrc_pars_ct.cc source file, where inadequate input validation permits malformed data to be processed without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability affects Android versions 10 through 12L, making it a widespread concern across multiple generations of the mobile operating system. The flaw specifically manifests during the parsing of vendor-specific Bluetooth commands, which are commonly used in wireless audio device communication protocols.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters received through Bluetooth connections, particularly when processing vendor-specific commands within the AVRCP profile. When a malicious Bluetooth device or application sends malformed data to an Android device running an affected version, the parsing function fails to properly validate array bounds before accessing memory locations. This improper input handling creates a scenario where an attacker can cause the system to read memory beyond allocated boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability operates at the Bluetooth protocol level, specifically within the AVRCP control channel, which handles commands for remote control of audio/video devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device can exploit this flaw to potentially extract sensitive data from the device's memory, including but not limited to application data, user credentials, or system configuration information. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the victim's knowledge or consent. This remote exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for Exfiltration Over Bluetooth, and represents a serious threat to mobile device security in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is common. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by enabling unauthorized data access through a wireless communication channel.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20221 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions, with priority given to devices in high-risk environments. Organizations should implement Bluetooth security policies that limit device discovery and pairing operations, particularly in sensitive environments where unauthorized access could pose significant risks. Network administrators should consider disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required and implement proper Bluetooth device authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in wireless protocol implementations, as outlined in CWE-129 which addresses improper validation of array index. Additionally, regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other Bluetooth protocol implementations within mobile operating systems. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections and memory corruption detection mechanisms to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.