CVE-2022-20005 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
In validateApkInstallLocked of PackageInstallerSession.java, there is a way to force a mismatch between running code and a parsed APK . This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-219044664
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20005 resides within the Android package installer system, specifically in the validateApkInstallLocked method of PackageInstallerSession.java. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate the installation process of applications in a manner that creates a discrepancy between the code that is actually executed and the code that was parsed during validation. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 10, 11, 12, and 12L, indicating it has been present across a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from improper validation mechanisms that fail to maintain consistency between the parsed APK metadata and the actual running code during the installation process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability enables a local privilege escalation attack that requires only user execution privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malicious applications already present on the device. The flaw does not require user interaction for exploitation, which means it can be automatically triggered during normal application installation or update processes. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact. The vulnerability operates by creating a mismatch condition where the system validates one set of code while executing another, potentially allowing malicious code to bypass security checks and gain elevated privileges. The underlying issue lies in how the package installer handles APK validation, specifically in the session management and code verification phases where consistency checks are insufficient.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious threat to Android device security as it allows for privilege escalation without requiring physical access or complex attack vectors. An attacker with user-level privileges can potentially exploit this weakness to gain system-level access, which could enable them to install malicious applications, access sensitive data, modify system files, or even establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect the entire Android security model, as it undermines the fundamental trust model between the package installer and the application execution environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which deals with improper restriction of operations within a defined access control scope, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which focuses on exploit for privilege escalation.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as well as implementing additional security measures such as enhanced application sandboxing, stricter APK validation processes, and monitoring for anomalous installation patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application control policies and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the critical need for robust validation mechanisms in mobile operating systems. Additionally, users should avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and should regularly update their devices to ensure they have the latest security protections against such exploitation vectors.