CVE-2022-20468 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
In BNEP_ConnectResp of bnep_api.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local 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-12L Android-13Android ID: A-228450451
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20468 resides within the Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP) implementation of Android operating systems across multiple versions including Android 10 through Android 13. This issue manifests in the BNEP_ConnectResp function located in the bnep_api.cc source file, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of Bluetooth communication protocols. The vulnerability stems from an insufficient bounds checking mechanism that fails to properly validate input parameters during Bluetooth connection response processing.
The technical flaw constitutes an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system processes incoming Bluetooth connection responses without adequate validation of data boundaries. This improper bounds check allows malicious actors to manipulate Bluetooth communication packets in such a way that triggers memory access violations. The vulnerability specifically affects the BNEP protocol implementation which serves as a bridge between Bluetooth and network protocols, facilitating data transmission between Bluetooth devices and network interfaces. When exploited, this flaw enables unauthorized information disclosure through Bluetooth connections without requiring any special privileges or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant threat to Bluetooth security within Android environments. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from Bluetooth memory spaces, potentially accessing confidential information that should remain protected within the device's memory management systems. The lack of requirement for additional execution privileges or user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited automatically during normal Bluetooth communication processes. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for dataenvelopment and T1566 for credential access through network protocols.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in network protocol implementations, particularly in wireless communication systems. The flaw represents a classic bounds checking error that falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of buffer access. The vulnerability's presence in core Android Bluetooth functionality means that any device running affected versions could be compromised, creating widespread exposure across numerous Android devices. Security researchers have identified that this issue could potentially be exploited to gain insights into device memory structures, Bluetooth connection states, and potentially other sensitive operational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20468 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as recommended by Google's security advisory process. Organizations and users should ensure all affected Android devices receive the latest security patches, particularly those that address Bluetooth protocol vulnerabilities. Network administrators should consider implementing additional Bluetooth security monitoring to detect anomalous connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of protocol implementations, particularly in wireless communication stacks where memory safety is paramount. Additionally, device manufacturers should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on bounds checking mechanisms in all Bluetooth protocol components to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.