CVE-2022-38672 in SC9863A
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2022
In face detect driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local denial of service in kernel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38672 resides within the face detect driver component of a kernel-based system, representing a critical security flaw that could be exploited to disrupt system operations. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition that occurs due to the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the driver's code implementation. The face detect driver is typically responsible for processing image data and performing facial recognition tasks, making it a component that handles sensitive input data from various sources. The lack of input validation and boundary checks in this driver creates a scenario where maliciously crafted input could cause the system to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to system instability.
The technical flaw in CVE-2022-38672 aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index or subscript values, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, which deals with out of bounds write conditions. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, where the face detect driver executes with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe than similar issues in user-space applications. When the driver processes input data without verifying that array indices remain within valid bounds, it becomes susceptible to memory corruption that can be triggered through carefully crafted input sequences. The missing bounds check creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a fundamental security weakness that could be exploited to compromise system integrity. Local attackers with access to the system could leverage this vulnerability to cause kernel panics, system crashes, or even escalate privileges to gain unauthorized control over the affected system. The face detect driver's role in processing image data makes it particularly vulnerable to exploitation through malformed image files or other crafted input that could trigger the out of bounds write condition. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning in embedded systems or IoT devices where face detection capabilities are integrated, as these systems often operate with limited security controls and may be deployed in environments where system availability is critical.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-38672 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the face detect driver code, ensuring that all array accesses are validated against predetermined limits. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches or updates that address the missing bounds check issue, as these fixes typically involve adding input validation routines and memory boundary checks to prevent unauthorized memory access. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space layout randomization can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review processes and static analysis tools in identifying potential memory corruption issues before they can be exploited in production environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits and T1499 which addresses network denial of service through system resource exhaustion. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns indicative of memory corruption attempts, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.