CVE-2022-20219 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
In multiple functions of StorageManagerService.java and UserManagerService.java, there is a possible way to leave user's directories unencrypted due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local information disclosure 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-224585613
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20219 represents a critical security flaw in Android's storage and user management systems that affects multiple Android versions including Android 10, 11, 12, and 12L. This issue resides within the StorageManagerService.java and UserManagerService.java components, which are fundamental to Android's security architecture responsible for managing encrypted storage and user account operations. The core problem stems from a logic error that creates a potential pathway for user directories to remain unencrypted when they should be properly secured. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-310 cryptographic weakness category, specifically addressing improper encryption implementation where the system fails to maintain consistent encryption states for user data. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the Android security model's enforcement of mandatory access controls and data protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when specific functions within the StorageManagerService and UserManagerService execute under conditions that bypass normal encryption procedures. The logic error creates a scenario where user directory encryption status checks may be improperly evaluated or skipped entirely, allowing sensitive user data to remain accessible in plaintext form. This represents a direct violation of Android's security policy enforcement, where the system should automatically ensure that all user data is encrypted at rest. Attackers can exploit this condition without requiring any special privileges or user interaction, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malicious applications or processes that have basic system access. The flaw operates at the system level rather than requiring user engagement, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands and T1070.004 for indicator removal, as the vulnerability creates a persistent security gap that could be exploited for information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to represent a fundamental breakdown in Android's data protection architecture. When user directories remain unencrypted, adversaries gain access to sensitive personal information, application data, and potentially authentication credentials that should be protected. This exposure creates a persistent threat vector that could allow for extended surveillance, identity theft, or further privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects all user accounts on affected Android versions and can potentially expose multiple types of sensitive data including personal documents, communications, financial information, and application-specific data. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur silently in the background, making detection difficult and increasing the potential for widespread data compromise. Organizations and individuals using affected Android versions face significant risk of data breaches and privacy violations that could have long-term consequences for both personal and enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20219 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, as these vulnerabilities typically require core system modifications to address the underlying logic errors. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of storage encryption status and user directory access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes enabling automatic security updates, maintaining strict device management policies, and conducting regular security audits of user data access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing additional data loss prevention measures and network monitoring to detect unauthorized access patterns. Device users should be educated about the importance of keeping systems updated and should avoid installing untrusted applications that might exploit this vulnerability. The mitigation process aligns with NIST SP 800-53 security controls for access control and system maintenance, requiring both automated patch management and manual security verification procedures to ensure complete remediation of the encryption logic errors.