CVE-2022-20220 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
In openFile of CallLogProvider.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a path traversal error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-219015884
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-20220 resides within the Android operating system's CallLogProvider.java component, specifically in the openFile method implementation. This represents a critical security flaw that allows for unauthorized access to sensitive system resources through improper path validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests as a path traversal error that enables malicious applications to bypass normal permission controls and gain elevated privileges. The issue affects Android 12 and Android 12L versions, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these operating system releases. The vulnerability's classification as a permission bypass indicates that it allows an attacker with basic user execution privileges to escalate their access level and potentially gain root-level system control. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses path traversal flaws that enable attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope. The attack vector requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without requiring any form of social engineering or user deception. The Android ID A-219015884 assigned to this vulnerability confirms its recognition and tracking by the Android security team.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the openFile method of the CallLogProvider class, where the system fails to properly validate file paths before accessing them. This path traversal vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate file access requests to traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries and access protected system files or directories. The flaw essentially permits an attacker to craft malicious file access requests that bypass the normal Android permission model and access resources that should only be available to system processes or applications with appropriate privileges. When an application attempts to open a file through the CallLogProvider, the system does not adequately sanitize or validate the input path, allowing for directory traversal sequences to be interpreted and executed. This weakness enables an attacker to access sensitive call log data, system configuration files, or other protected resources that should remain inaccessible to regular user applications. The vulnerability's exploitation relies on the system's failure to properly enforce access controls during file operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it provides a potential pathway for local privilege escalation that could allow attackers to gain complete system control. An attacker with user-level execution privileges can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system resources that typically require elevated permissions, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's implications are particularly severe because it operates at the system level within the Android framework, meaning that successful exploitation could enable access to all call log data, potentially sensitive communication records, and other protected system information. Additionally, this type of vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it allows an attacker to gain access to system resources that could then be used to further compromise the device. The vulnerability's presence in Android 12 and 12L versions means that a substantial portion of the Android user base could be potentially affected, particularly in enterprise environments where these operating system versions are commonly deployed. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited automatically, potentially leading to widespread compromise without any user awareness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20220 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves applying the official Android security patches released by Google to address the path traversal flaw in the CallLogProvider implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to the latest security releases, particularly those containing fixes for the A-219015884 vulnerability. In addition to patch management, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system flaws, making it important for security teams to monitor for behaviors consistent with this attack pattern. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits should verify that proper access controls are maintained throughout the system. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure timely patch deployment across all managed devices. Given the nature of this vulnerability, security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the potential exposure of their Android environments and develop incident response procedures specifically tailored to address path traversal and privilege escalation attacks.