CVE-2022-20523 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In IncFs_GetFilledRangesStartingFrom of incfs.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-228222508
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20523 resides within the Android operating system's IncFs_GetFilledRangesStarting function in the incfs.cpp source file. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that emerges from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 13 and is tracked under Android ID A-228222508, indicating its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical flaw manifests when the IncFs_GetFilledRangesStartingFrom function processes data structures without validating array or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This missing bounds check creates an exploitable condition where malicious code or processes could potentially read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The vulnerability operates at the file system level within the incremental file system implementation, which is responsible for managing file access patterns and memory allocation for file operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically through normal file system operations. Attackers could potentially access sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected, including file metadata, system information, or other confidential data that might be stored in adjacent memory regions.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as this vulnerability could potentially expose system internals that might aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. The lack of additional privileges required for exploitation means that any local process running on the device could potentially leverage this flaw, making it a significant concern for device security. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data hijacking or T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the IncFs_GetFilledRangesStartingFrom function and similar file system operations. Android security patches would typically address this by adding validation checks before memory access operations, ensuring that all array indices and buffer offsets are properly validated against legitimate range boundaries. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant Android security updates that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the lack of user interaction requirements means the attack surface is broader than typical local privilege escalation scenarios.