CVE-2022-26473 in MT6789
Summary
by MITRE • 10/08/2022
In vdec fmt, there is a possible use after free due to improper locking. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07342197; Issue ID: ALPS07342197.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26473 resides within the vdec fmt component of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the video decoding subsystem. This issue represents a critical security flaw that could enable malicious actors to escalate privileges locally on a device. The vulnerability manifests as a use-after-free condition that occurs due to inadequate synchronization mechanisms within the video decoding framework. The affected system component handles video format decoding operations and manages memory resources that are improperly protected during concurrent access scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient locking mechanisms within the vdec fmt module, which governs how video frames are processed and memory is allocated for decoding operations. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same video decoding resources simultaneously, the lack of proper mutex or semaphore controls creates a race condition scenario. This race condition allows an attacker to manipulate memory pointers and potentially execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only system execution privileges to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has already gained access to a device can leverage this flaw to achieve full administrative control.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26473 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a significant threat to device security and user privacy. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be left unattended or where automated attacks could be deployed. The use-after-free condition creates opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects devices running the affected operating system version and impacts the integrity of the video decoding subsystem, which is critical for multimedia functionality.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper synchronization mechanisms within the vdec fmt component. The patch ALPS07342197 addresses the issue by introducing appropriate locking controls that prevent concurrent access to shared memory resources during video decoding operations. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch immediately to all affected systems and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system binary manipulation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar race condition vulnerabilities in other system components that may be susceptible to similar exploitation patterns.