CVE-2022-20596 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In sendChunk of WirelessCharger.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing 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-239700400References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20596 resides within the WirelessCharger.cpp component of Android kernel implementations, specifically within the sendChunk function where a critical out of bounds write condition exists. This flaw represents a serious security weakness that could potentially enable local privilege escalation attacks, allowing an attacker with system execution privileges to gain elevated access to the device. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate array or buffer access before writing data to memory locations. The missing validation creates an opportunity for malicious code to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions or overwriting critical system data structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and CWE-787, which covers out of bounds write conditions. These weaknesses are particularly dangerous in kernel-level components where memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only system execution privileges, indicating that it operates at a privileged level within the Android kernel architecture where wireless charging functionality is handled. This privileged execution context means that an attacker who has already gained system-level access could leverage this flaw to further compromise the device's security posture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges locally without requiring user interaction, making it particularly concerning for devices that may be compromised through other attack vectors. The wireless charging functionality typically operates with elevated privileges to manage power delivery and device communication, creating a perfect environment for privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to gain root access to the device, allowing them to modify system files, install malicious applications, or extract sensitive data from the device's secure storage. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user awareness or consent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the sendChunk function of WirelessCharger.cpp. The fix should include validating all array indices and buffer sizes before any write operations occur, ensuring that memory access remains within allocated boundaries. Security patches should be applied immediately to all affected Android kernel versions, and organizations should implement robust monitoring for any unusual activity related to wireless charging processes. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing additional runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all system services that operate with elevated privileges, particularly those handling hardware interfaces like wireless charging protocols that require system-level access to function properly.