CVE-2022-42498 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In Pixel cellular firmware, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-240662453References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42498 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Pixel cellular firmware component that operates at the Android kernel level. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the firmware implementation, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate memory operations beyond their intended boundaries. The vulnerability exists within the cellular communication stack of Pixel devices, specifically affecting the kernel-level components responsible for handling cellular data and communication protocols. The absence of proper input validation and memory boundary enforcement creates a pathway for arbitrary memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any privileged execution context or user interaction.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, where an attacker can write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This type of flaw typically occurs when developers fail to validate input parameters or buffer sizes before performing memory operations, allowing for memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where the attacker can gain unrestricted access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges to the highest system level. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device or any form of user interaction.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to mobile device security as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited by threat actors without additional privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where mobile devices are used for sensitive communications or business-critical operations. The cellular firmware component is inherently critical to device functionality, meaning that exploitation could result in complete device compromise, data exfiltration, or the ability to establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects all Pixel devices running the affected Android kernel versions, potentially creating a widespread security risk across millions of devices that rely on cellular connectivity.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-42498 primarily focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms in the firmware code and applying timely security patches from Google. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of firmware updates that address the missing bounds check in the cellular communication stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns of insufficient input validation that could lead to comparable vulnerabilities. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the attack signatures may differ from typical mobile threats. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level flaw necessitates careful testing of patches to ensure they do not disrupt cellular functionality or introduce compatibility issues with existing network protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and mobile device management policies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts and maintain operational continuity during patch deployment phases.