CVE-2022-20554 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In removeEventHubDevice of InputDevice.cpp, there is a possible OOB read due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-245770596
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20554 represents a critical use after free condition within the Android input device management subsystem, specifically in the removeEventHubDevice function located in InputDevice.cpp. This flaw occurs when the system attempts to access memory that has already been freed during the removal process of event hub devices, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability resides in the Android 13 operating system and is tracked under Android ID A-245770596, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from device manufacturers and security professionals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the input device handling code. When an event hub device is removed, the system frees associated memory resources but continues to reference these freed memory locations during subsequent operations. This use after free condition creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially manipulate the system's memory state to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use after free condition, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the input device subsystem's memory management protocols, particularly during device removal operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a potential path for local privilege escalation attacks that could allow malicious actors to gain system-level execution privileges. While no user interaction is required for exploitation, the attack requires the target device to be running Android 13 and the attacker must have local access to the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for devices that may be physically accessible or for scenarios where local code execution is already possible through other means. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through software exploitation, and T1548.001 which covers abuse of system privileges for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Android security teams, as well as implementation of memory safety improvements in the input device subsystem. Device manufacturers should prioritize the deployment of security patches that address the use after free condition by ensuring proper memory deallocation and reference management during device removal operations. Additional defensive measures include implementing memory corruption detection mechanisms, enhancing code review processes for input device handling code, and establishing stricter memory management protocols within the Android framework. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing runtime protections that can detect and prevent use after free attacks in real-time environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust memory management practices in operating system components and the necessity of thorough security testing for system-level code modifications.