CVE-2022-20302 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
In Settings, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a sandbox escape. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if the attacker has physical access to the device, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-200746457
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20302 represents a critical sandbox escape flaw within the Android Settings application that undermines the device's factory reset protection mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the Android 13 operating system and is catalogued under Android ID A-200746457, indicating its significance within the Android security framework. The flaw specifically targets the sandboxing implementation that is designed to isolate the Settings application from other system components and prevent unauthorized access to protected functionalities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sandbox boundaries within the Settings application that allow for privilege escalation when a device undergoes a factory reset process. When a device is reset to factory settings, the system should enforce strict security measures to prevent unauthorized access to device functionality and data. However, this vulnerability creates an exploitable path that bypasses these protections, allowing an attacker with physical access to the device to escalate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The sandbox escape occurs during the reset process, where the attacker can manipulate the application's behavior to gain elevated access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it requires only physical access to the device and does not necessitate any additional privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This means that an attacker who gains physical possession of an Android 13 device can potentially bypass the factory reset protection mechanisms that are intended to safeguard device data and prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of the device's reset functionality, which is designed to ensure that all user data and access controls are properly cleared during a factory reset operation.
From a security standards perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses the weakness of "Security Features" in software systems, specifically focusing on inadequate sandboxing or privilege separation mechanisms. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as it allows an attacker to escalate privileges without requiring additional attack vectors. The vulnerability represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how sandboxing mechanisms can be circumvented when proper access controls are not properly implemented within system applications.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve implementing stronger sandbox boundaries within the Settings application and ensuring that factory reset protection mechanisms are properly enforced regardless of the device's state. Android security patches should address the underlying sandbox escape mechanism by reinforcing the isolation between system components and preventing unauthorized access to privileged functions during reset operations. Device manufacturers and security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture that could be exploited by attackers with physical access. Additionally, users should be advised to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches and to be aware of the risks associated with physical device access, particularly in environments where unauthorized access might occur.