CVE-2022-26460 in MT6833
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
In vow, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07032590; Issue ID: ALPS07032590.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26460 resides within the vow component of a system, representing a critical out-of-bounds write condition that stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system processes data structures that exceed their allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where vow functionality is utilized, particularly those operating in environments where system execution privileges are required for exploitation. The issue is classified as a local privilege escalation vulnerability, meaning that an attacker with a low-privilege account could potentially leverage this flaw to execute code with system-level privileges, fundamentally compromising the security posture of the affected system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of input data boundaries within the vow module's memory management routines. When processing certain data inputs, the system fails to properly verify that array indices or memory access operations remain within valid bounds, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite critical system structures. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of buffer overread or write conditions that can be exploited for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw demonstrates a failure in input sanitization and memory boundary checking that allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that bypass normal access controls and memory protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26460 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges to initiate the attack. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share system resources or where default user accounts may be present. The exploitation process typically involves an attacker crafting specific inputs that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially allowing them to overwrite critical memory locations such as function pointers, return addresses, or privilege control structures. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability can provide attackers with system-level execution capabilities, enabling them to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, or escalate their access to administrative privileges. The lack of user interaction requirements significantly increases the exploitability of this vulnerability in real-world scenarios, as it can be triggered automatically without requiring social engineering or user deception tactics.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26460 should prioritize the immediate application of the vendor-provided patch identified by patch ID ALPS07032590, which addresses the specific bounds checking flaw within the vow module. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected vow component and ensure that the patch is applied across all impacted systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust input validation routines, enabling address space layout randomization, and deploying memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and data execution prevention. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and organizations should consider implementing monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns or privilege escalation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within other system components, while access controls should be reviewed to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.