CVE-2022-20598 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In sec_media_protect of media.c, there is a possible EoP due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege of secure mode MFC Core with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-242357514References: N/A
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20598 resides within the secure mode MFC Core component of Android kernel implementations, specifically in the sec_media_protect function located in media.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability manifests through an integer overflow condition that occurs during media protection operations, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to elevate their privileges within the secure execution environment.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of integer arithmetic within the media protection subsystem, where an integer overflow allows attackers to manipulate memory boundaries or control flow mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness that can lead to various security consequences including privilege escalation. The overflow condition specifically affects the secure mode MFC Core component, which operates in a restricted execution context designed to protect sensitive media processing operations from unauthorized access or manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation within the secure mode environment, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges that would normally be restricted. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged through automated attacks or by malicious processes already running on the device. The secure mode MFC Core typically handles critical media processing functions including encryption, decryption, and secure media streaming operations, making this privilege escalation opportunity particularly dangerous for maintaining system integrity and data confidentiality.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques within the Android security model, specifically targeting the kernel-level execution environment where secure mode components operate. The vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain that might begin with a lower-privilege process and culminate in full system compromise through the escalation of privileges. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper integer overflow checks within the media.c file, particularly in the sec_media_protect function, along with comprehensive code review of similar patterns throughout the kernel implementation. Additionally, Android security patches should address the underlying integer overflow condition through proper bounds checking and arithmetic validation mechanisms to prevent the overflow from occurring in the first place.
The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level implementations, particularly when handling arithmetic operations that could lead to memory corruption or control flow manipulation. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited silently without detection, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to the secure execution environment. System administrators and security teams should prioritize patching affected Android kernel implementations and consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities within secure mode components.