CVE-2022-20607 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In the Pixel cellular firmware, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with LTE authentication needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-238914868References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20607 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Pixel cellular firmware that exposes Android devices to remote code execution risks. This issue manifests in the Android kernel component and affects Pixel devices through their cellular connectivity mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check in the firmware implementation, creating a condition where malicious actors can manipulate memory operations beyond allocated boundaries. The Android ID A-238914868 specifically identifies this weakness within the kernel's cellular processing subsystem, highlighting the severity of the memory corruption potential.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires LTE authentication credentials, indicating that attackers must first establish cellular network connectivity and authenticate with the target device through legitimate LTE protocols. This authentication requirement does not diminish the threat level significantly since LTE networks are widely accessible and cellular authentication mechanisms can be compromised through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle attacks, SIM card cloning, or network exploitation techniques. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that the vulnerability can be triggered automatically when the device connects to an LTE network, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that maintain constant connectivity.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for adversaries to execute arbitrary code on affected Pixel devices without requiring physical access or user engagement. The out-of-bounds write condition could potentially allow attackers to overwrite critical memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or system control structures, leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which specifically addresses memory corruption issues where programs write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to potentially enable persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or device takeover scenarios.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Pixel devices and their integration into corporate and personal security environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially deploy malware, establish persistent access points, or conduct surveillance operations against targeted individuals or organizations. The requirement for LTE authentication does not prevent exploitation in scenarios where network infrastructure is compromised or where attackers can leverage legitimate network access points to establish the necessary authentication context. This vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables the execution of malicious code through kernel-level memory corruption, and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, since the exploitation could occur through malicious network communications without user interaction.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Google, as these patches would address the missing bounds check and prevent the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous LTE traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also considering network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. Device administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their mobile device fleets to identify affected Pixel models and ensure timely patch deployment. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual memory access patterns or unauthorized code execution attempts, while maintaining awareness of potential exploitation attempts through cellular network communications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust memory safety mechanisms in mobile firmware and the necessity of thorough code review processes for kernel-level components that handle network communications.