CVE-2022-20597 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In ppmpu_set of ppmpu.c, there is a possible EoP due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-243480506References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20597 resides within the ppmpu_set function of the ppmpu.c kernel module, representing a critical security flaw that enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This integer overflow vulnerability exists in the Android kernel implementation and has been assigned Android ID A-243480506 for tracking purposes. The flaw specifically manifests in the ppmpu_set function where improper integer handling creates conditions that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects Android kernel implementations and represents a significant threat to system security as it allows an attacker with local access to potentially elevate their privileges to kernel level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition within the ppmpu_set function, which operates within the context of memory protection unit management in the Android kernel. When processing certain input parameters, the function fails to properly validate integer values, allowing arithmetic operations to exceed maximum representable values. This overflow condition creates unpredictable behavior that can be manipulated to alter memory layouts or control flow within the kernel. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations. The overflow occurs during the processing of parameters that control memory protection unit configurations, potentially allowing an attacker to bypass security mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to kernel resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to Android device security as it enables local privilege escalation through a straightforward exploitation process. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the vulnerable kernel function is invoked. An attacker with local shell access or basic application execution capabilities can leverage this flaw to gain root-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. The exploitation process involves manipulating input parameters to the ppmpu_set function in a way that triggers the integer overflow, subsequently allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability fundamentally undermines the security model of Android systems and provides attackers with complete control over device operations, data access, and system configuration.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20597 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as this vulnerability represents a critical security risk that requires urgent remediation. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant kernel patches that address the integer overflow condition in the ppmpu_set function. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization kASLR and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious kernel function calls and implementing access controls that limit local execution privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Local Privilege Escalation, and represents a classic example of how kernel-level flaws can be exploited to achieve complete system compromise. Regular security audits of kernel modules and input validation routines should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code releases.