CVE-2022-20126 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In setScanMode of AdapterService.java, there is a possible way to enable Bluetooth discovery mode without user interaction due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-203431023
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20126 resides within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android operating systems spanning versions 10 through 12L. This flaw exists in the AdapterService.java component where the setScanMode method fails to perform adequate permission validation before enabling Bluetooth discovery mode. The issue represents a critical security oversight that undermines the Android security model's principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the absence of mandatory permission verification within the setScanMode method which is responsible for configuring Bluetooth scanning modes. When an application attempts to enable Bluetooth discovery mode through this method, the system should validate whether the calling process possesses the appropriate permissions before executing the operation. However, due to the missing permission check, any application with user execution privileges can potentially trigger Bluetooth discovery mode without explicit user consent or authorization. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category where insufficient checks allow unauthorized access to privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios. An attacker with user-level execution privileges can exploit this flaw to enable Bluetooth discovery mode automatically, potentially allowing nearby devices to discover and interact with the compromised Android device. This creates opportunities for various malicious activities including unauthorized data collection, device fingerprinting, and potential exploitation of other Bluetooth-based vulnerabilities. The requirement for user interaction to initiate exploitation suggests this vulnerability could be leveraged through social engineering or by embedding malicious code in seemingly benign applications that users might install.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 network service scanning where adversaries can use Bluetooth discovery to map network topology and identify potential targets. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to Android device security as it allows unauthorized access to Bluetooth discovery capabilities that could be used for reconnaissance purposes. The impact is particularly concerning given that Bluetooth discovery mode can reveal device identifiers, services offered, and potentially sensitive information about the device's operational state. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation within the Bluetooth subsystem and ensuring that all privileged operations require explicit authorization. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining strict access controls and proper privilege separation in mobile operating systems, particularly within wireless communication subsystems where unauthorized access could lead to broader security compromises.