CVE-2022-20218 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
In PermissionController, there is a possible way to get and retain permissions without user's consent due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-223907044
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20218 resides within the PermissionController component of Android operating systems version 12 and 12L, representing a critical logic flaw that undermines the fundamental security model governing permission management. This issue stems from a code-level error in how permission requests are handled, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can potentially acquire and maintain permissions without explicit user consent. The flaw operates at the system level, leveraging inherent weaknesses in the permission validation process to bypass normal user interaction requirements that should typically be mandatory for permission granting.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through a logic error that allows for unauthorized permission retention, effectively enabling a local privilege escalation attack vector. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific sequences of operations that manipulate the permission controller's state machine, causing it to accept permissions without proper user verification. The vulnerability requires only local execution privileges to be leveraged, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any application running on the device without requiring additional malicious capabilities or elevated privileges. This characteristic places the vulnerability squarely within the domain of local privilege escalation threats, where an attacker can elevate their application's privileges to access system-level resources and functionality.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission bypass to potentially enable broader system compromise through local privilege escalation. The attack requires user interaction for initial exploitation but once successful, allows persistent permission retention that can be leveraged for extended periods. This behavior aligns with the attack pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the local system components that govern application permissions. The vulnerability's classification under CWE 284 indicates a weakness in access control mechanisms, where the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks during permission management operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where malicious applications can maintain elevated privileges and access restricted system resources without user knowledge or consent. This condition effectively undermines the Android security model's core principle of user consent for sensitive operations, allowing unauthorized access to system functionality that should only be available to properly authorized applications. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the core permission management system, which serves as the primary defense mechanism against unauthorized application access to user data and system resources. Organizations and users must understand that this vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the Android permission architecture, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system manipulation, and other malicious activities that could compromise device integrity and user privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20218 should focus on immediate system updates and security patches provided by Google, as well as proactive monitoring of application behavior for signs of unauthorized permission requests. Users should ensure their devices receive timely security updates and maintain awareness of applications requesting unusual permission sets. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and demonstrates the critical need for rigorous code review processes in security-sensitive components. Security teams should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous permission behavior and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing local privilege escalation threats. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the importance of comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate similar logic flaws in complex software systems.