CVE-2022-20142 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In createFromParcel of GeofenceHardwareRequestParcelable.java, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to parcel mismatch. 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-216631962
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20142 represents a critical security flaw within Android's geofencing hardware request handling mechanism. This issue resides in the createFromParcel method of the GeofenceHardwareRequestParcelable.java file, which is part of the Android operating system's framework for managing geofence hardware requests. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of parcel data structures during the deserialization process, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. According to the Android security advisory, this flaw affects multiple Android versions including Android 10, 11, 12, and 12L, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue, meaning that an attacker who already has access to a device can potentially elevate their privileges without requiring additional execution permissions. This represents a significant concern as it allows for deeper system access and control once an initial foothold is established.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and handling of parcel data structures within the Android framework. When the system processes geofence hardware requests through the parcel mechanism, it fails to properly validate the incoming data structure, creating a mismatch between expected and actual data formats. This parcel mismatch allows an attacker to craft maliciously formatted data that, when processed by the createFromParcel method, can trigger unintended code execution. The vulnerability specifically exploits the Android parcelable interface implementation, where data is serialized and deserialized between different processes or system components. The flaw enables arbitrary code execution because the system does not adequately sanitize or validate the parcel contents before processing them, allowing malicious input to bypass normal security boundaries and execute with the privileges of the affected service or process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly given its classification as a local privilege escalation vector. An attacker with access to a device can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it especially dangerous in scenarios where malware or malicious applications already have some level of access to the system. The exploitability of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, which means it can be triggered automatically when geofence hardware requests are processed, potentially during normal system operations or when applications attempt to register geofence events. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for both individual users and enterprise environments, as it can be exploited silently in the background without detection. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20142 should focus on immediate patching and system updates to address the underlying parcel validation issue. Android security updates released by Google specifically address this vulnerability through fixes to the parcelable handling mechanism in the geofence hardware request processing code. Organizations should prioritize applying these security patches across all affected Android versions, particularly in enterprise environments where devices may be running older Android releases. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper application sandboxing and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of exploitation even if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. Network monitoring and behavioral analysis should be employed to detect unusual geofence request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges for privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious parcel data processing activities to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.