CVE-2022-32613 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
In vcu, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07206340; Issue ID: ALPS07206340.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32613 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the vcu component that stems from a race condition flaw. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared memory resources simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms, creating opportunities for unpredictable behavior and system instability. The race condition manifests in a way that allows for local privilege escalation, meaning an attacker with low-privilege access could potentially elevate their privileges to system level execution rights. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation but does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically without any explicit user engagement.
The technical nature of this flaw places it within the realm of memory safety issues that are commonly categorized under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems. Such vulnerabilities often arise from improper handling of concurrent access to shared resources, where the timing of operations can lead to memory corruption. The vcu component in question likely manages video codec processing or similar hardware-accelerated functions, making it a critical system element that requires robust protection against concurrent access issues. The fact that this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation indicates that the race condition allows for manipulation of system-level memory structures or process execution flows that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems where the vcu component is actively utilized, particularly in mobile devices or embedded systems where video processing capabilities are essential. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker could potentially gain root access to the system, allowing for complete control over device functions, data access, and system configuration modifications. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently in the background without any visible signs of compromise, potentially enabling persistent access to affected systems. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through race conditions and other system-level vulnerabilities.
The patch referenced as ALPS07206340 addresses the underlying race condition by implementing proper synchronization mechanisms to prevent concurrent access issues within the vcu component. This mitigation approach typically involves adding mutex locks, semaphores, or other concurrency control mechanisms to ensure that shared memory resources are accessed in a controlled and predictable manner. The patch would likely modify the code paths that handle vcu operations to include appropriate locking protocols that prevent multiple threads from accessing critical sections simultaneously. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying this patch immediately, as the vulnerability's characteristics make it highly attractive to attackers seeking to establish persistent access to target systems. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the vcu component's memory management functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough concurrency testing and proper synchronization implementation in system-level software components that handle critical hardware functions.