CVE-2022-20411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
In avdt_msg_asmbl of avdt_msg.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution over Bluetooth with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-232023771
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20411 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android Bluetooth stack implementation. This issue resides in the avdt_msg_asmbl function located in avdt_msg.cc, which processes Bluetooth Audio Video Distribution Transport Protocol messages. The flaw manifests when the system fails to perform proper bounds checking on incoming Bluetooth packets, creating a condition where maliciously crafted data can overwrite adjacent memory regions. This particular vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 10 through Android 13, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The absence of necessary bounds validation in the message assembly process creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed Bluetooth traffic.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. This flaw enables remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited over unauthenticated Bluetooth connections. The attack vector leverages the Bluetooth protocol stack's handling of audio video distribution transport messages, where an attacker can send specially crafted packets that trigger the memory corruption. The lack of user interaction requirement places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, as the exploitation occurs through Bluetooth protocol manipulation rather than traditional user-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with potential remote code execution capabilities within the Android system. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to execute arbitrary code on Bluetooth-enabled devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices that support Bluetooth audio streaming, which includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, and various IoT devices that implement Android Bluetooth stacks. This creates a significant attack surface considering the widespread adoption of Bluetooth technology in mobile devices and the minimal privileges required for exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target vulnerable devices from considerable distances without physical access or user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and personal device security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20411 should focus on immediate Android security updates from Google, which typically include patches to the Bluetooth stack components. Organizations should prioritize patching affected Android devices and implement Bluetooth security controls such as disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services when not in use. Network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth monitoring solutions to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device manufacturers should review their Bluetooth implementation for similar bounds checking vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive input validation across all Bluetooth protocol handlers. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security audits of core system components that handle external protocol data, particularly in mobile operating systems where Bluetooth functionality is integral to user experience and device connectivity.