CVE-2022-42498 - Pixel Cellular Firmware Vulnerability: Out of Bounds Write Leading to Remote Code Execution

The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and security researchers are continually identifying vulnerabilities in different systems. One such vulnerability has been discovered in the cellular firmware of the popular Google Pixel Android smartphones. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-42498, allows an attacker to remotely execute code on a target device, without any need for user interaction or additional execution privileges.

In this article, we will delve into the details of this vulnerability, discuss the code snippet responsible for it, and explore its exploit potential. We will also provide links to original references for further reading. It is essential to understand the potential risks and implications, and work towards mitigating such vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Details:

CVE-2022-42498 pertains to an out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check in the Pixel cellular firmware. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to remotely execute code on the target device, without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges.

The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions on Google Pixel devices. The Android ID associated with this vulnerability is A-240662453. Currently, there is no public reference available about CVE-2022-42498. This article aims to provide exclusive information and insight regarding this vulnerability.

Code Snippet

Analyzing the code responsible for the vulnerability, it is evident that a missing bounds check leads to the possibility of an out of bounds write. A simplified version of the code snippet is provided below:

void vulnerable_function(buffer_t *buffer, int src_length, int dst_length) {
    int i;

    for (i = ; i < src_length; i++) {
        buffer->data[i] = ... // Here lies the potential out of bounds write
    }
}

In the above code snippet, the function iterates through a source buffer and writes its data into the destination buffer. However, there is no check ensuring that the destination buffer's length (dst_length) is greater than or equal to the source buffer's length (src_length). This oversight allows for an out of bounds write.

Exploit Details

An attacker can exploit CVE-2022-42498 by crafting a specially designed payload that takes advantage of the missing bounds check, causing an out of bounds write in the target device's memory. This can potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code on the target device with no additional privileges needed. Since user interaction is not required, a vulnerable device can be compromised remotely. The exploit's effectiveness would be further enhanced if it could be delivered via a communication channel already utilized by the target device (e.g., SMS/MMS, cellular data, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth).

Mitigation

As of now, there are no official patches or updates available to address CVE-2022-42498. However, as a user, you can take the following precautionary measures:

1. Be cautious when interacting with unknown or suspicious sources, even if they appear as routine communications (e.g., SMS/MMS, emails).
2. Keep your device's Android OS and all installed applications up to date as patches and updates are released.
3. Utilize a reputable mobile antivirus/antimalware application to monitor your devices for possible threats.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-42498 highlights the importance of thorough security vulnerability assessments and code reviews, particularly for widely used devices and systems like Google Pixel smartphones. This vulnerability demonstrates how a seemingly small oversight, such as a missing bounds check, can lead to potentially severe security implications. It serves as a vital reminder for developers and security researchers alike to remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating threats.

As users, it is our responsibility to stay informed about such vulnerabilities and take appropriate steps to protect our devices and data from potential exploits. As a community, we must continue to strive for secure coding practices and robust security reviews to reduce the risk of future technological threats.

Timeline

Published on: 03/24/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/28/2023 19:18:00 UTC