CVE-2022-20595 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In getWpcAuthChallengeResponse of WirelessCharger.cpp, 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-239700137References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20595 resides within the WirelessCharger.cpp component of Android kernel implementations, specifically within the getWpcAuthChallengeResponse function. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. The absence of proper bounds checking creates an exploitable path where malicious actors can potentially read data from memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries, leading to unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the CWE-129 category of Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be leveraged for information disclosure. This type of vulnerability typically arises when developers assume that input data will remain within expected parameters without implementing proper validation mechanisms. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it operates at a privileged kernel level where it can access sensitive system information and potentially manipulate critical data structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android device security as it allows for local information disclosure through kernel-level access. The fact that no user interaction is required for exploitation means that an attacker could potentially leverage this flaw without requiring physical access or user engagement, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices might be compromised through other attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple data leakage as the information disclosed could potentially contain sensitive system parameters, authentication tokens, or other critical data that could facilitate further attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as attackers could use the information disclosure to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as the attacker would have access to privileged memory regions and could potentially manipulate system behavior through the disclosed information. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where kernel-level flaws can provide attackers with persistent access to critical system resources.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the WirelessCharger.cpp component and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns throughout the kernel codebase. System administrators should prioritize patching affected Android kernel versions and implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider applying kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigations to reduce the overall attack surface and limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel space code and highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components.