CVE-2022-20229 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
In bta_hf_client_handle_cind_list_item of bta_hf_client_at.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution 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-224536184
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20229 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile client implementation of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the bta_hf_client_handle_cind_list_item function located in the bta_hf_client_at.cc source file, which processes Bluetooth audio device connection indicators during hands-free profile communication. The vulnerability stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism that fails to validate array indices before writing data, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted Bluetooth signals could trigger memory corruption.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within CWE-129, which encompasses issues related to insufficient bounds checking of array data. The vulnerability manifests when the Bluetooth hands-free client processes connection indicator lists from remote audio devices, specifically during the parsing of cind (connection indicator) information. Without proper validation of the received data bounds, the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the target array structure, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and leading to unpredictable behavior.
This vulnerability presents a severe operational risk as it enables remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The attack vector operates through Bluetooth communication channels, allowing adversaries to exploit the flaw from remote distances without physical access to the device. The fact that no user interaction is required makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices automatically connect to known networks or when devices are in proximity to potential attackers. The exploit could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor establishment on affected Android devices running versions 10, 11, 12, or 12L.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through Bluetooth protocols, and T1068 for local privilege escalation through memory corruption. The exploitability characteristics make this particularly concerning for mobile environments where Bluetooth connectivity is ubiquitous and often automatically enabled. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patch deployment, Bluetooth radio disabling when not required, and network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in mobile operating system components, particularly in Bluetooth stack implementations where untrusted external devices continuously communicate with the system.