CVE-2022-20205 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
In isFileUri of FileUtil.java, there is a possible way to bypass the check for a file:// scheme due to improper input validation. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12LAndroid ID: A-215212561
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20205 resides within the Android operating system's FileUtil.java component, specifically in the isFileUri method implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the system's ability to properly validate file URI schemes, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to local system resources. The issue manifests when the Android system fails to adequately verify the file:// scheme during URI processing, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended security checks through crafted input sequences.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the isFileUri method, which is designed to verify whether a given URI represents a local file system path. When processing file URIs, the system should strictly enforce the file:// scheme to prevent unauthorized access to local resources. However, the improper validation logic allows certain malformed or specially crafted URIs to slip through the security checks, effectively bypassing the intended scheme verification. This flaw operates at the application level within Android's core file handling mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive local files and system resources that should remain protected. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation, this vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious applications or processes that have legitimate access to the Android system. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially allowing for stealthy data exfiltration or further attack progression. This vulnerability directly affects Android 12L systems and represents a significant risk to user privacy and system integrity.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation issues, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The flaw creates opportunities for privilege escalation and information gathering activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through official Android security updates and consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious URI processing activities. The remediation strategy should focus on strengthening input validation mechanisms and ensuring proper scheme enforcement within file URI processing components.