CVE-2022-42526 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In ConvertUtf8ToUcs2 of radio_hal_utils.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-243509880References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42526 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android kernel's radio hal utilities component. This issue resides in the ConvertUtf8ToUcs2 function located in the radio_hal_utils.cpp source file, where a fundamental bounds checking mechanism has been omitted during the conversion process from UTF-8 to UCS-2 encoding. The absence of proper input validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted input data could potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, fundamentally compromising system integrity and stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic privilege escalation vector within mobile operating system environments. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android radio hardware abstraction layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that while it cannot be triggered through user interaction alone, it can be leveraged by malicious actors who already possess some level of system access or who can manipulate the environment to achieve the necessary privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that could allow adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges available. This capability fundamentally undermines the security model of Android systems, particularly in environments where radio communication hardware is actively utilized. The vulnerability affects Android kernel implementations and is tracked under Android ID A-243509880, indicating its integration within Google's internal security tracking system for mobile platform vulnerabilities. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to gain complete control over device radio functionality, potentially leading to unauthorized communication channel manipulation, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor establishment within the device's operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the ConvertUtf8ToUcs2 function and similar encoding conversion routines throughout the Android kernel. The recommended approach involves adding explicit boundary validation before any memory write operations, ensuring that input data lengths are properly verified against allocated buffer sizes. Additionally, developers should implement robust input sanitization processes and consider adopting defensive programming techniques such as buffer over-read protection and stack canaries. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to device security and system integrity. The implementation of these mitigations aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and addresses the fundamental security weakness that enables such attacks to succeed in the first place.