CVE-2022-20113 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
In mPreference of DefaultUsbConfigurationPreferenceController.java, there is a possible way to enable file transfer mode due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-205996517
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20113 resides within the Android operating system's DefaultUsbConfigurationPreferenceController.java component, specifically affecting Android 12 and Android 12L versions. This flaw manifests as a logic error in the mPreference handling mechanism that governs USB configuration settings. The issue stems from improper validation or control flow within the preference management system that controls how USB devices are configured when connected to Android devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where USB configuration preferences are managed, potentially allowing unauthorized access to device functionality that should remain restricted to authorized users or system processes.
The technical flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control mechanisms. The logic error in DefaultUsbConfigurationPreferenceController.java creates a condition where the system fails to properly validate or enforce access controls when determining USB configuration modes. This allows an attacker to manipulate the USB configuration preference settings without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, effectively bypassing the normal security controls that should prevent unauthorized changes to USB device behavior. The vulnerability specifically impacts the file transfer mode configuration, which represents a critical security boundary since it can provide access to device storage and data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted applications might be present. An attacker with local access to an affected Android device could exploit this vulnerability to enable file transfer mode, potentially gaining access to sensitive device data, user files, or system resources that should remain protected. The lack of user interaction requirement means the vulnerability could be exploited automatically by malicious applications already running on the device, without the need for social engineering or additional attack vectors. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments and devices that may be compromised by malicious applications or malware.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the USB configuration preference handling code. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all affected Android devices are updated with the latest security patches from Google, as this vulnerability was addressed through official security updates. The fix typically involves correcting the logic error in the DefaultUsbConfigurationPreferenceController.java file to properly validate USB configuration changes and enforce appropriate access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of USB configuration changes to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains targeting Android devices, particularly in scenarios involving application-based attacks or compromised device environments.