CVE-2022-20557 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In MessageQueueBase of MessageQueueBase.h, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. 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-247092734
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20557 resides within the MessageQueueBase component of Android's system architecture, specifically in the MessageQueueBase.h header file. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the messaging subsystem. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check during message queue operations, creating a potential avenue for unauthorized privilege escalation. The flaw affects Android 13 systems and has been assigned the Android ID A-247092734, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from device manufacturers and security professionals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the MessageQueueBase component processes incoming messages without proper validation of message boundaries. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to manipulate message data in a way that accesses memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically impacts the message queue processing logic where the system fails to verify that message indices or offsets remain within acceptable ranges before accessing memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses Improper Validation of Array Index, and represents a classic example of buffer over-read conditions that can lead to information disclosure or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory access issues, as it creates a pathway for local privilege escalation to system-level execution privileges. While exploitation does not require user interaction, the vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation means that any local attacker with access to the system could leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges. The requirement for System execution privileges indicates that the vulnerability exists within components that operate at the highest privilege level of the Android security model, making it particularly dangerous. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful manipulation of the message queue subsystem to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. Attackers would need to craft specific message data that, when processed by the vulnerable MessageQueueBase component, causes the system to access memory beyond allocated boundaries. The fact that this vulnerability operates within the core messaging infrastructure means that successful exploitation could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive system information, manipulate system operations, or execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader system hardening efforts, particularly when implementing defense-in-depth strategies that address both network-based and local attack vectors. Mitigation efforts should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms and ensuring that all system components properly validate input data before processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety in system-level code and underscores the necessity of thorough code review processes that identify and address potential buffer overflow conditions in operating system components.