CVE-2022-20593 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In pop_descriptor_string of BufferDescriptor.h, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-239415809References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20593 resides within the Android kernel's buffer descriptor handling mechanism, specifically in the pop_descriptor_string function located in BufferDescriptor.h. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly impacts memory safety and can lead to unpredictable behavior when processing buffer descriptors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the buffer descriptor string manipulation logic. When the pop_descriptor_string function processes incoming data structures, it does not properly validate whether the requested array index falls within acceptable parameters, allowing an attacker to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This condition typically arises when the system assumes that input data will always conform to expected size constraints without performing adequate validation checks. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it operates at a privileged kernel level where the attacker must already have elevated access to leverage the flaw effectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to local information disclosure scenarios where an attacker with system-level privileges can potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected. This information disclosure capability arises from the out-of-bounds read behavior, which may expose kernel memory contents including potentially sensitive configuration data, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that an attacker cannot remotely exploit this flaw but must already possess system execution privileges to utilize it effectively. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation category, specifically under techniques related to kernel exploitation and memory manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20593 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the buffer descriptor handling code. The most effective approach involves adding proper validation checks before any array access operations, ensuring that all indices are verified against buffer size constraints. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches from Android kernel vendors, as this vulnerability affects the core operating system components. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can provide additional defense layers. Organizations should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on buffer handling routines and establish automated testing procedures that include boundary condition testing to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future code implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining strict input validation practices in kernel-level code, as even minor oversights in bounds checking can result in significant information disclosure risks that compromise system security.