CVE-2022-20002 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/30/2022
In incfs, there is a possible way of mounting on arbitrary paths due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12LAndroid ID: A-198657657
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20002 resides within the incfs (incremental fs) subsystem of Android 12L, representing a critical permission bypass flaw that enables local privilege escalation. This issue stems from an insufficient validation mechanism that fails to properly verify mounting permissions for arbitrary paths, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with system execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 12L and is tracked under Android ID A-198657657, highlighting its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical flaw manifests in the incfs implementation where the system does not adequately enforce access controls when processing mounting operations on filesystem paths. This missing permission check allows unauthorized processes to mount filesystem components at arbitrary locations within the system hierarchy, potentially enabling attackers to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where filesystem mounting operations should be strictly controlled and validated against proper authorization mechanisms. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control enforcement that are critical for maintaining system integrity.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Android devices running version 12L as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation. An attacker with system execution privileges can exploit this flaw to gain root-level access to the device, potentially compromising all data and services running on the system. The lack of user interaction requirement means that the vulnerability can be exploited automatically, making it especially concerning for environments where automated attacks are possible. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially allow complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20002 should focus on implementing proper permission validation checks within the incfs subsystem and ensuring that all mounting operations are properly authenticated and authorized. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches provided by Google to address this vulnerability. The fix typically involves strengthening the permission checking mechanisms within the kernel-level filesystem mounting code to prevent arbitrary path mounting operations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of filesystem mounting activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Regular security assessments and kernel updates remain essential for maintaining device security posture against similar vulnerabilities in the Android ecosystem.