CVE-2022-20578 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In RadioImpl::setGsmBroadcastConfig of ril_service_legacy.cpp, there is a possible stack clash leading 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-243509749References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20578 resides within the RadioImpl::setGsmBroadcastConfig function of the ril_service_legacy.cpp file within Android's radio interface layer implementation. This represents a critical memory corruption issue that arises from improper stack management during GSM broadcast configuration processing. The flaw manifests as a potential stack clash condition that can result in arbitrary memory corruption, creating a significant security risk for affected Android devices.
This vulnerability operates at the system level within the radio interface layer where mobile network configuration parameters are processed and managed. The stack clash occurs during the handling of GSM broadcast configuration requests, specifically when processing parameters related to broadcast message reception and management. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory allocation handling within the legacy radio interface service implementation, which fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them on the stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to local privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker with system-level execution privileges could potentially exploit the memory corruption to gain elevated privileges. While the vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, the underlying memory corruption mechanism creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that could ultimately lead to full system compromise. The attack vector leverages the legitimate system interface for GSM broadcast configuration to manipulate stack memory contents, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code with higher privileges.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories, representing a classic stack memory corruption flaw. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction as it operates through legitimate system interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system-level access is already compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20578 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as the vulnerability affects core system components that handle mobile network communications. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous GSM broadcast configuration requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. System hardening measures including stack protection mechanisms, address space layout randomization, and input validation enhancements should be implemented to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments of radio interface layer components and monitoring for unauthorized system modifications are recommended to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.