CVE-2022-20569 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In thermal_cooling_device_stats_update of thermal_sysfs.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the kernel with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-229258234References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20569 resides within the Android kernel's thermal management subsystem, specifically in the thermal_cooling_device_stats_update function located in the thermal_sysfs.c file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that could potentially enable local privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the bounds of data being processed, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's kernel space operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the thermal cooling device statistics update function processes incoming data without proper boundary checks. When the kernel receives thermal management data through sysfs interfaces, the function fails to validate the size or range of the input parameters, allowing for memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This particular flaw is classified under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain system execution privileges within the kernel space. The exploitation requires only local access to the device, eliminating the need for network connectivity or user interaction, which makes it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access is possible. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to modify critical kernel structures, disable security mechanisms, or establish persistent backdoors within the Android operating system. The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions and is tracked under Android ID A-229258234, indicating its significance within the mobile security landscape.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The attack surface is limited to devices running affected kernel versions, but given the widespread adoption of Android devices, the potential impact remains substantial. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation in kernel space code, where the lack of proper bounds checking creates a direct pathway for memory corruption attacks that can be exploited to achieve system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates from device manufacturers, as the primary fix involves proper input validation and bounds checking within the thermal_sysfs.c file. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize patch deployment to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability provides direct access to kernel execution privileges. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries could provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also monitor for any reported exploitation attempts and consider implementing device access controls to limit local privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in kernel space code, where even seemingly minor validation flaws can lead to complete system compromise.