CVE-2022-20258 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
In Bluetooth, there is a possible way to bypass compiler exploit mitigations due to a configuration error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-221893030
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2022
This vulnerability resides within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 13 operating on devices with Android ID A-221893030. The issue stems from a configuration error that compromises compiler exploit mitigations designed to prevent privilege escalation attacks. The flaw allows an attacker to bypass security protections that would normally prevent local privilege escalation, creating a significant security risk for affected devices. The vulnerability specifically targets the Bluetooth component's handling of memory management and code execution controls, where improper configuration of compiler security features leaves the system exposed to exploitation. This represents a critical weakness in the Android security architecture that undermines fundamental protection mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests as a configuration error within the Bluetooth stack that disables or weakens compiler-based exploit mitigations such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and control flow integrity checks. When Bluetooth services process certain input data or execute specific operations, the compromised configuration allows attackers to craft payloads that can bypass these protective measures. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where Bluetooth drivers and services interact with system memory, creating a pathway for privilege escalation. This configuration error essentially removes the compiler's ability to enforce security policies that would normally prevent attackers from executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges, making it possible to gain root access without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can be executed silently without requiring user interaction or additional privileges. An attacker with local access to an affected device can leverage this vulnerability to gain root privileges, potentially allowing complete system compromise and unauthorized access to all device data and services. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the compromised Bluetooth subsystem could provide attackers with persistent access points and additional attack vectors. This vulnerability particularly affects Android 13 devices where the Bluetooth implementation has been configured incorrectly, potentially impacting millions of users who rely on Bluetooth connectivity for various device functions and services.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates and configuration corrections to restore proper compiler exploit mitigations. Device manufacturers must ensure that Bluetooth components are configured with appropriate security settings that enable all available compiler protections. System administrators should monitor for patches released by Google and device vendors that address this specific configuration error. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control flow protection, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system configuration flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all Bluetooth-related services are properly configured with appropriate security hardening measures. Regular security assessments of system components and proper patch management protocols are essential to prevent exploitation of similar configuration-based vulnerabilities.