CVE-2022-20603 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In SetDecompContextDb of RohcDeCompContextOfRbId.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-219265339References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20603 resides within the RohcDeCompContextOfRbId.cpp source file of the Android kernel implementation, specifically within the SetDecompContextDb function. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow remote code execution when exploited. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs due to the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the decompression context management code. The affected component is part of the Robust Header Compression (ROHC) implementation which handles network packet decompression for mobile communication protocols. The Android kernel version affected by this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory management where input data is not properly validated before being written to allocated memory regions. This particular implementation issue affects the context database management system that maintains decompression state information for radio bearer identifiers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer. The flaw specifically occurs in the SetDecompContextDb function where decompression context data is being processed without adequate validation of array indices or buffer boundaries. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to potentially manipulate the decompression context database by providing specially crafted input data that causes the program to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires system execution privileges, indicating that the attacker must already have some level of access to the system to leverage this flaw effectively. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could potentially be triggered through network-based attacks without requiring direct user engagement.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20603 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as the vulnerability could enable remote code execution with system-level privileges. This capability allows an attacker to potentially gain full control over affected Android devices, enabling them to execute arbitrary code, modify system files, or establish persistent access to the compromised device. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel directly, making it a critical component in the attack chain since kernel-level exploits are particularly dangerous and difficult to defend against. The Android ID A-219265339 indicates this vulnerability was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, suggesting it was properly identified and documented by the Android security team. The fact that this vulnerability exists in the ROHC decompression context management system highlights the complexity of modern mobile network protocols and the potential attack surface created by these sophisticated compression mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the SetDecompContextDb function and related decompression context management code. The recommended approach involves adding comprehensive input validation routines that verify array indices and buffer sizes before any write operations occur. Security patches should be applied immediately to address this flaw, as the vulnerability affects the core kernel functionality that handles network packet processing. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The mitigation approach should follow established security practices such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on kernel-level exploit prevention and memory corruption defense techniques. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enhanced to ensure timely deployment of fixes for similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other kernel components. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.