CVE-2022-20004 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
In checkSlicePermission of SliceManagerService.java, it is possible to access any slice URI due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-179699767
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20004 resides within the Android operating system's SliceManagerService component, specifically in the checkSlicePermission method of SliceManagerService.java. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized access to slice URIs through improper input validation mechanisms. The issue affects multiple Android versions including Android 10, 11, 12, and 12L, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability operates at the system level where slice URIs are used to provide rich, interactive content within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable malicious actors to access sensitive system information or functionality.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the checkSlicePermission method, which is responsible for verifying permissions when accessing slice URIs. This improper validation creates a path where attackers can bypass normal permission checks and access slice URIs that should otherwise be restricted. The vulnerability's nature allows for local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. The lack of user interaction requirement means the exploit can be automated and potentially triggered through system-level processes, amplifying its impact. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic access control bypass mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables local privilege escalation within the Android operating system. Attackers who can exploit this vulnerability can potentially gain elevated privileges on the device, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with higher system permissions. This could lead to complete system compromise where malicious actors can access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or install persistent backdoors. The implications are particularly severe given that slice URIs are commonly used throughout the Android framework for providing contextual information and system integration, meaning the attack surface is extensive. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could enable further exploitation through lateral movement or data exfiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20004 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions, as Google has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies to ensure timely deployment of security patches across all Android devices. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual slice URI access patterns and implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system components. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access controls are maintained throughout the Android system. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and proper permission checking mechanisms within system-level components, particularly those handling inter-process communication and system integration features.