CVE-2022-41598 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2022
The phones have the heap overflow, out-of-bounds read, and null pointer vulnerabilities in the fingerprint trusted application (TA).Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect the fingerprint service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41598 represents a critical security flaw within the fingerprint trusted application component of mobile devices, specifically affecting the heap memory management and data access mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the trusted application layer that handles fingerprint authentication processes, making it particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the core security functionality of the device. The presence of heap overflow, out-of-bounds read, and null pointer vulnerabilities within the same component suggests a fundamental weakness in the memory management and input validation processes of the fingerprint TA, creating multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory allocation practices within the fingerprint trusted application. Heap overflow conditions occur when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute arbitrary code. Out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities enable attackers to access memory locations that should not be accessible, potentially exposing sensitive data or system information. Null pointer dereference issues create opportunities for denial of service conditions or further exploitation by manipulating the application's memory state. These flaws collectively represent a failure in secure coding practices and proper memory management within the trusted execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple fingerprint service disruption, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of the device. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to fingerprint data, potential privilege escalation within the trusted application environment, or complete compromise of the fingerprint authentication system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the trusted application layer operates with elevated privileges and access to sensitive biometric data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to device security features. This vulnerability undermines the core security assumptions of the device's biometric authentication system, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms or gain unauthorized access to protected resources.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment and comprehensive code review of the fingerprint trusted application component. Organizations should implement robust memory validation checks, including bounds checking for all array accesses and proper null pointer validation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and CWE-125 out-of-bounds read weaknesses, while the exploitation techniques may map to ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence. Device manufacturers should conduct thorough security assessments of all trusted applications, implement runtime memory protection mechanisms, and establish secure coding guidelines that specifically address the unique challenges of trusted execution environments. Regular security testing and code audits should be mandated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations.