CVE-2022-20473 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
In toLanguageTag of LocaleListCache.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect 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-12L Android-13Android ID: A-239267173
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20473 resides within the Android operating system's LocaleListCache.cpp component, specifically affecting the toLanguageTag function implementation. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that arises from an erroneous bounds checking mechanism during locale processing operations. The vulnerability impacts multiple Android versions including Android 10 through Android 13, along with Android 12L, making it a widespread concern across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from improper validation of array indices when processing locale data structures, creating a scenario where malicious input can trigger memory access violations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a memory corruption flaw that allows for potential remote code execution. The out-of-bounds read condition manifests when the system attempts to process locale tags that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. This particular flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array access operations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector means that an attacker can potentially compromise Android devices without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter untrusted content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for Android users and organizations relying on mobile device security. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that malicious actors can potentially compromise devices through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised applications. The vulnerability's presence in core locale processing functionality suggests that it could be triggered during routine system operations such as language switching, application localization, or system interface rendering. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and difficult to predict, as the vulnerability could be exploited during seemingly benign operations.
The exploitation chain for this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious locale data that triggers the flawed bounds checking logic, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for remote code execution. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of scripting languages for execution, as the corrupted memory state could potentially allow for code injection attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns, and deploying mobile threat defense solutions that can detect anomalous locale processing behaviors. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting strategies should be considered to limit potential exploitation opportunities, as the vulnerability's remote nature makes it particularly suitable for large-scale attacks targeting Android device populations.