CVE-2022-20124 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In deletePackageX of DeletePackageHelper.java, there is a possible way for a Guest user to reset pre-loaded applications for other users due to a permissions bypass. 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-170646036
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's package management subsystem where a permissions bypass flaw exists in the deletePackageX method of DeletePackageHelper.java. The vulnerability specifically affects Android versions 10 through 12L and represents a critical privilege escalation vector that allows unauthorized users to manipulate pre-loaded applications for other system users. The flaw stems from inadequate access controls within the package deletion mechanism, where guest users can exploit this weakness to reset applications that should be restricted to privileged system processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a missing authorization check in the DeletePackageHelper.java component that handles package deletion operations. When a guest user attempts to delete or reset pre-loaded applications, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to perform such operations on applications belonging to other users. This bypass occurs at the method level where deletePackageX lacks proper user context validation, allowing arbitrary users to execute package reset operations that should be restricted to system-level processes or administrators.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables a local privilege escalation scenario where a guest user can gain elevated privileges without requiring any additional execution capabilities or user interaction. The implications extend beyond simple application manipulation as this flaw can be leveraged to compromise the integrity of the entire system by resetting critical pre-loaded applications that maintain system security policies. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to remove or reset system applications that provide essential security functions, potentially creating persistent backdoors or disabling security features.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a significant deviation from the principle of least privilege in Android's security model. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder) as it allows unauthorized users to manipulate system components that control application behavior and startup processes. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially enabling automated attacks that can persist across system reboots.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access control validation within the DeletePackageHelper.java component, ensuring that all package deletion operations require appropriate user context verification and authorization checks. Android security patches should enforce strict user permissions for package management operations, particularly those affecting pre-loaded applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unauthorized package deletion attempts and consider applying the latest security updates immediately to address this vulnerability. The fix should include mandatory validation of user privileges before allowing package reset operations and should be implemented across all affected Android versions to prevent unauthorized access to system application management functions.