CVE-2022-20192 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In grantEmbeddedWindowFocus of WindowManagerService.java, there is a possible way to change an input channel for embedded hierarchy 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-12LAndroid ID: A-215912712
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20192 resides within the Android operating system's WindowManagerService component, specifically in the grantEmbeddedWindowFocus method of the WindowManagerService.java file. This flaw represents a critical permissions bypass that allows malicious applications to manipulate input channels within embedded window hierarchies without requiring additional privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android 12L and potentially other versions within the Android 12 release cycle, making it a significant concern for device security and privacy.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of permissions when managing embedded window focus within the Android windowing system. When an application attempts to grant focus to an embedded window hierarchy, the grantEmbeddedWindowFocus method fails to adequately verify whether the requesting process has proper authorization to modify the input channel associated with that embedded hierarchy. This oversight creates a pathway for privilege escalation where a malicious application can potentially redirect input events to unintended recipients or intercept sensitive user interactions. The flaw operates at the system level within the window management services, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect the fundamental security boundaries of the Android operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks such as input injection, session hijacking, or data interception across different applications within the embedded window hierarchy. An attacker with a malicious application running on the device can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate how input events are routed through the system, potentially allowing them to capture user credentials, manipulate application states, or redirect user interactions to malicious endpoints. This capability significantly undermines the security model of Android's window management system and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation means that any application with basic execution privileges can potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20192 should prioritize immediate system updates from Google and device manufacturers, as this vulnerability affects core operating system components that require official patches to address the underlying permissions bypass issue. Organizations should implement strict application vetting processes to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability, while also monitoring for suspicious behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider implementing network-based monitoring to detect unusual input routing patterns or potential input injection attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in Android's security architecture. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged to establish persistent access to affected devices, making it a significant concern for enterprise security and mobile device management programs.