CVE-2022-20249 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2022
In LocaleManager, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to side channel information disclosure. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-226900861
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20249 resides within the LocaleManager component of Android 13 systems, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that exploits side channel attacks to reveal application installation status without requiring explicit query permissions. This flaw operates at the system level where applications can indirectly determine whether other applications are installed on the device through subtle timing variations or other observable behaviors that leak information about the system state. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 13 versions and is tracked under Android ID A-226900861, indicating its classification within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system. The root cause of this issue lies in the improper handling of information flow within the LocaleManager service, which fails to adequately protect against side channel information leakage mechanisms that could be exploited by malicious applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how LocaleManager processes requests related to application availability and system state information. When applications attempt to query or access information about installed applications through the LocaleManager service, the system's response timing or behavioral patterns inadvertently leak information about whether specific applications exist on the device. This information disclosure occurs through side channels that exploit the differences in system response times or memory access patterns when dealing with installed versus non-installed applications. The flaw does not require any special user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by any application running on the device. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-203, which describes "Information Leakage / Information Exposure" where system information is inadvertently disclosed through side channels rather than direct access mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the leaked information for further exploitation. An attacker could use this information to build detailed profiles of installed applications on a target device, potentially identifying sensitive applications or applications that may contain vulnerabilities. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this attack could be performed automatically in the background without the user's knowledge or consent. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for Android's security model as it undermines the principle of least privilege and information isolation between applications. The attack vector operates through the established Android framework without requiring additional permissions, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through traditional permission-based security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20249 should focus on strengthening the information flow controls within LocaleManager and implementing proper side channel resistance mechanisms. System-level patches should address the timing variations that leak installation information by ensuring consistent response times regardless of application state. The recommended approach involves modifying the LocaleManager service to eliminate information leakage through behavioral differences and implementing proper access controls that prevent unauthorized information disclosure. Organizations should ensure that Android 13 devices are updated with the latest security patches from Google, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent security releases. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability through anomalous behavior patterns or unexpected access to system information. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of considering side channel attacks in security design and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers "File and Directory Discovery" through indirect information gathering mechanisms.