CVE-2022-32607 - Use-After-Free Vulnerability in AEE – Exploit, Analysis, and Patch Details

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Introduction

In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, use-after-free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous. They can let attackers perform unintended actions by exploiting how programs manage memory. Today, we take a deep dive into CVE-2022-32607, a recently discovered vulnerability in the Android Exception Engine (AEE), commonly found in MediaTek-powered Android devices.

Patch ID: ALPS07202891

Let's break down how the issue arises, its implications, and how you can mitigate risk.

Understanding the Vulnerability

A use-after-free bug occurs when a program frees a block of memory but later tries to use it again, which can be exploited by crafty attackers to run malicious code.

In this case:
The vulnerability lies in the AEE component's handling of specific memory operations without properly checking array or buffer bounds. When money management routines (like allocation and deallocation) don't check whether they're operating within valid limits, a use-after-free scenario can occur.

Attacker gains local access (e.g., via a compromised app running on the same device).

2. Triggering the bug: The attacker manipulates the AEE component into freeing a memory structure but, due to missing bounds checks, triggers code that still references the freed object.
3. Malicious control: By timing their actions, the attacker could potentially insert their own data into the recycled memory area, making the system execute attacker-provided code with System privileges.

This effectively means a normal app (or process) could break out of its restrictions and act with elevated rights — a classic privilege escalation scenario.

No user interaction is required: If an attacker has local access to the device (say, through a rogue app), exploitation can proceed without the user’s awareness.

Here’s a simplified illustration of what a use-after-free might look like in this context

// Pseudo-code example of vulnerable logic

void process_exception(int index) {
   struct ExceptionEntry *entry;

   if (index < EXCEPTION_TABLE_SIZE) {
      entry = exception_table[index];

      // Free the entry
      free(entry);

      // * Missing: set exception_table[index] = NULL! *

      // Later in code, another routine wrongly assumes entry is valid
      handle_exception(entry); // <-- Use-After-Free!
   }
}

*In the real AEE code, the lack of bounds (or content) checking and failure to null
freed pointers opens a dangerous window for exploitation.*

Real-World Impact

If successfully exploited, CVE-2022-32607 could allow a local attacker to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, bypassing Android's usual security boundaries. This opens the door for installing persistent backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, and more.

Official Advisory and References

- NVD entry/announcement:
NVD - CVE-2022-32607

MediaTek Security Bulletins

MediaTek Security Advisories

Patch and Remediation

Patch ID: ALPS07202891
Issue ID: ALPS07202891

MediaTek released a patch addressing the missing bounds check and memory management in the vulnerable AEE code. Device makers (OEMs) must integrate this fix into their system images.

How to stay protected

- Update your phone: Check for Android system updates regularly and apply them as soon as possible.
- Don’t sideload unknown apps: Since the bug can be exploited locally, malicious apps are a real risk vector.
- Check vendor bulletins: Many MediaTek device OEMs publish security advisories; follow those for update news.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-32607 reminds us how subtle memory management bugs can undermine the security of millions of devices. The best defense is a combination of regular device updates, careful app usage, and prompt patch adoption.

Have questions or want to discuss? [Post in the comments] or [contact us] for more info.

Timeline

Published on: 11/08/2022 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/10/2022 13:54:00 UTC