CVE-2022-20507 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In onMulticastListUpdateNotificationReceived of UwbEventManager.java, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a missing bounds check. 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-246649179
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20507 resides within the UwbEventManager.java component of Android 13 systems, specifically in the onMulticastListUpdateNotificationReceived method. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the wireless communication framework. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check that allows malicious data to bypass normal parameter validation procedures, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution within the system's privileged execution context.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index bounds, and potentially CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw occurs within the ultrawideband (UWB) communication subsystem where multicast list updates are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low system level where security boundaries are typically most stringent. The absence of proper bounds checking means that an attacker could potentially manipulate the multicast list update notifications to trigger memory corruption or execution flow manipulation.
This vulnerability presents a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks, as it does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction to exploit. The attack vector leverages the existing communication protocols within the Android operating system, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through conventional monitoring systems. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a system-level component that operates with elevated privileges, allowing successful exploitation to result in complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or privilege escalation techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to full device compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The attack requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be left unattended or where automated attacks could be deployed. The vulnerability affects Android 13 systems specifically, indicating that device manufacturers and users must prioritize timely security updates to mitigate this risk.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, along with implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous multicast list update activities. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as runtime application protection mechanisms and behavioral monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of communication frameworks within mobile operating systems. This case also reinforces the necessity of adhering to security standards such as those defined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to privilege escalation techniques and system-level exploitation methods that leverage communication protocol weaknesses.