CVE-2022-20563 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In TBD of ufdt_convert, there is a possible out of bounds read due to memory corruption. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-242067561References: N/A
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20563 resides within the ufdt_convert function of the Android kernel, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that stems from memory corruption issues. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation, requiring only system execution privileges for successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it squarely within the realm of software reliability and security assurance domains where improper memory handling can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential security breaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow or read operation that extends beyond the allocated memory boundaries during the ufdt_convert process. This memory corruption scenario creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate system memory contents, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The out-of-bounds read condition suggests that the function does not properly validate input parameters or memory limits before accessing data structures, which directly violates fundamental security principles of memory safety and input validation.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption to potentially enable full system compromise. Local privilege escalation means that an attacker with minimal system access could elevate their privileges to system level, gaining complete control over device functionality. The requirement for system execution privileges indicates that exploitation likely occurs through legitimate system processes or interfaces that have elevated access rights, making the attack vector more insidious as it leverages existing trusted execution paths rather than attempting to bypass security controls entirely.
The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation significantly increases the severity of this vulnerability, as it eliminates the need for social engineering or user deception tactics. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of automated attack vectors where malicious actors can achieve system compromise without direct user involvement, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated threats are prevalent. The vulnerability's presence in the Android kernel indicates a fundamental weakness in the operating system's core security architecture that affects device-level security and integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers, as well as comprehensive memory safety reviews of the ufdt_convert function and related memory management components. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual system execution patterns and memory access violations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through system-level processes. Organizations should prioritize patch management and system hardening measures to protect against exploitation attempts targeting this specific kernel memory corruption vulnerability.