CVE-2022-20240 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
In sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass of AppOpsManager.java, there is a possible leak of location information due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-231496105
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-20240 resides within the AppOpsManager.java component of Android operating systems version 12 and 12L. This flaw specifically affects the sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass method which governs how system restrictions are handled for application operations. The core issue manifests as a missing permission check that allows unauthorized access to location information, representing a significant security gap in the Android permission model.
This vulnerability represents a privilege escalation risk classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control mechanisms. The flaw enables a local attacker to bypass system-level restrictions that normally protect sensitive location data from unauthorized applications. The missing permission validation in the sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass method creates an exploitable path where malicious applications could potentially access location information that should be restricted to system-level processes only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it enables local privilege escalation with system execution privileges. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain elevated system-level access, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with full system privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic.
From a security perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in Android's application operations management system where location data protection mechanisms are bypassed without proper authorization checks. The fact that user interaction is not required for exploitation makes this particularly concerning as it enables automated attacks that can be deployed without user awareness or consent. This vulnerability affects the core Android security architecture by undermining the fundamental principle of least privilege enforcement.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper permission checks within the AppOpsManager.java file, specifically ensuring that the sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass method validates appropriate system-level permissions before allowing location data access. Android security patches should enforce stricter access controls and validate that only authorized system components can bypass location restrictions. Organizations should deploy the latest Android security updates immediately and conduct thorough security assessments of applications that may be exploiting this vulnerability. The remediation process must ensure that all system-level operations maintain proper authorization boundaries to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive location information.