CVE-2022-20608 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In Pixel cellular firmware, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-239239246References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
This vulnerability exists within the pixel cellular firmware component of android operating systems presenting a critical out of bounds read condition that stems from an insufficient bounds check implementation. The flaw manifests when the system processes cellular data packets or firmware updates, where a buffer overflow occurs due to improper validation of array indices or memory access boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a memory safety issue that allows an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-125 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and system compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires no special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective as it can be leveraged by malicious actors with minimal attack surface requirements. The attack vector operates through the cellular firmware processing pathways where the system fails to properly validate input parameters before accessing memory locations. This condition typically occurs during the handling of network packets, firmware updates, or cellular protocol processing where the firmware does not adequately verify the size or boundaries of incoming data before attempting to read from memory arrays. The lack of user interaction requirement places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through software exploitation, specifically targeting the firmware layer where attackers can access sensitive information without requiring physical access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially expose cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other sensitive system data stored in memory. The cellular firmware operates at a low level within the android architecture, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with access to core system functions and data structures that are normally protected. The information disclosure could enable attackers to understand the internal workings of the cellular stack, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks including denial of service conditions or further privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects android kernel versions and represents a fundamental flaw in the memory management routines that process cellular communications, making it a persistent threat across multiple device generations that utilize pixel cellular components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the cellular firmware processing code and ensuring that all memory access operations include comprehensive validation of array indices and buffer sizes. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize firmware updates that address this specific memory safety issue, as the vulnerability exists at the kernel level where traditional application-based security measures may not provide adequate protection. The recommended approach includes implementing robust input validation routines, adding memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and ensuring that all buffer operations include proper boundary checks before memory access occurs. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous cellular traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability could potentially be used as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks targeting the broader android ecosystem.