CVE-2022-20155
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android kernel's IPU core JQS message transport driver, caused by a race condition in the ipu_core_jqs_msg_transport_kernel_write_sync function. Successful exploitation allows local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. This affects Android devices with vulnerable kernel versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains root privileges on the device, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions, install malware, or access sensitive data on compromised devices.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, the risk is eliminated; unpatched systems remain vulnerable to local attackers.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and involves race condition timing, making it moderately complex but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Bulletin June 2022 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2022-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply the June 2022 Android security patch from Google. 2. For Pixel devices, install the update via Settings > System > System update. 3. For other Android devices, check with manufacturer for patch availability. 4. Reboot device after update installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No effective workarounds
allThis is a kernel-level vulnerability requiring patching; no configuration changes or workarounds can mitigate the risk.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical and logical access to vulnerable devices to trusted users only
- Implement strict application whitelisting and mobile device management (MDM) controls to limit potential damage from compromised devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if device has received the June 2022 Android security patch. For Pixel devices, verify the patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version.Check Version:
On Android device: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm the device shows security patch level of June 5, 2022 or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs, unusual privilege escalation attempts in system logs, abnormal process behavior indicating kernel exploitation
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Android devices after local compromise
SIEM Query:
Look for events indicating kernel crashes, privilege escalation, or suspicious process behavior on Android devices