CVE-2022-21792 in MT6833
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2022
In camera isp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07085410; Issue ID: ALPS07085410.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-21792 resides within the camera image signal processor subsystem of a mobile device operating system, specifically affecting the Linux kernel's media subsystem. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, where the system fails to validate input parameters before processing camera-related data streams. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the privileged camera processing context, allowing for potential privilege escalation attacks that could compromise the entire system. The flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms in the image signal processing pipeline, which handles raw sensor data before it is processed into final image formats.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the camera subsystem receives malformed or excessively large data structures during image processing operations. Without proper input validation, the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions or overwriting critical system structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically during routine camera operations or when the system processes camera input data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to device security and user privacy. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker who gains access to camera functionality could potentially elevate their privileges to system level, gaining complete control over the device. This could enable unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent backdoor installation, or the ability to modify critical system components. The attack surface is broad as it affects any device running the vulnerable kernel version where camera functionality is enabled, potentially impacting millions of devices across various manufacturers. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21792 should prioritize immediate patch deployment, with the specific fix identified as patch ID ALPS07085410 addressing the missing bounds check in the camera isp subsystem. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include restricting camera functionality through device management policies, monitoring for anomalous camera access patterns, and implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a potential pathway for techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics. Regular security audits of kernel subsystems and input validation mechanisms should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system architecture.