CVE-2022-20366 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2022
In ioctl_dpm_clk_update of lwis_ioctl.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. 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-225877745References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20366 resides within the Android kernel's lwis_ioctl.c file, specifically in the ioctl_dpm_clk_update function where a critical integer overflow occurs. This flaw represents a classic buffer management issue that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where arithmetic operations exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type, leading to unexpected behavior. The integer overflow in this context occurs during clock update operations within the device power management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low system level where privilege escalation opportunities are significant.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker manipulating input parameters to the ioctl_dpm_clk_update function in such a way that arithmetic operations result in integer overflow, subsequently causing an out-of-bounds write operation. This occurs when the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical system structures or code segments. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that the attacker must already have some level of access to the system, though this does not necessarily mean root access. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without requiring any human intervention, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to Android device security as it allows for local privilege escalation, potentially enabling an attacker to gain root access to the device. The exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and full control over device operations. The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions and is tracked under Android ID A-225877745, indicating it was identified and addressed within the Android security framework. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable pattern that can be reliably exploited by attackers who understand the memory layout and system architecture. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of kernel-level exploits that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats, making it a critical concern for mobile device security and enterprise mobile device management programs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20366 should focus on immediate patch deployment as provided by Android security updates, which typically include bounds checking and integer overflow protection mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around power management and device control interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in kernel space operations, emphasizing the need for proper input validation, integer overflow protection, and bounds checking in all system-level functions. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and code integrity verification to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of kernel modules and ioctl implementations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited for privilege escalation, following security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth approaches to protect against such critical system-level flaws.