CVE-2022-20580 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In ufdt_do_one_fixup of ufdt_overlay.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect 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 kernelAndroid ID: A-243629453References: N/A
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20580 resides within the Android kernel's device tree overlay functionality, specifically in the ufdt_do_one_fixup function located in ufdt_overlay.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker with system execution privileges to elevate their access level within the operating system. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that stems from an improper bounds check implementation, creating a pathway for potentially malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device tree overlay processing mechanism that Android kernel uses to dynamically modify device tree configurations during runtime. When the ufdt_do_one_fixup function processes overlay data, it performs validation checks that fail to properly verify array boundaries or buffer limits. This inadequate validation allows an attacker to craft malicious overlay data that can overwrite memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically relates to how the function calculates or validates the size of data structures being processed, creating a window where arbitrary memory locations can be modified.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android devices as it requires only system execution privileges for exploitation, meaning that an attacker who already has access to a system-level process can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user involvement. The out-of-bounds write condition could potentially overwrite critical kernel data structures, function pointers, or other sensitive memory locations that would allow for privilege escalation to root level access.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in kernel memory management controls that could enable more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker could potentially use this flaw to modify kernel code, inject malicious payloads, or manipulate system behavior in ways that compromise the entire device. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and may also relate to CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write," both of which are common targets in kernel exploitation scenarios.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the ufdt_do_one_fixup function, ensuring that all array accesses are validated against proper buffer limits. The recommended approach includes adding comprehensive input validation routines that verify overlay data structure sizes and contents before processing. Additionally, kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel page table isolation should be implemented to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. The Android security team should prioritize patching this vulnerability in all affected kernel versions and ensure that proper code review processes are implemented to prevent similar bounds checking errors in other kernel components.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety in kernel-level code execution and highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining secure device tree overlay mechanisms. The flaw's potential for local privilege escalation underscores the necessity of rigorous security testing and code review processes for kernel components, particularly those handling dynamic configuration data. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to address this vulnerability while also conducting thorough security assessments of their kernel-based systems to identify and remediate similar potential weaknesses. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to escalate system access, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams managing Android-based devices.