CVE-2022-20323 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
In PackageManager, there is a possible package installation disclosure due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-187176203
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20323 resides within the Android PackageManager component, which serves as the core system service responsible for managing application packages on Android devices. This flaw represents a critical permission oversight that allows unauthorized access to package installation information through a missing permission check mechanism. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 13 and is catalogued under Android ID A-187176203, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from device manufacturers and security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization controls within the PackageManager service. When a package installation occurs, the system should verify that the requesting process has appropriate permissions before exposing installation details to other applications or processes. However, in this case, the permission validation check is absent or improperly implemented, creating a pathway for information disclosure. This flaw operates at the system level where package management operations are handled, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications running with user-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. An attacker with user execution privileges can leverage this weakness to gather sensitive information about installed packages, including package names, installation paths, and potentially other metadata that could aid in further attacks. This information disclosure could enable adversaries to conduct reconnaissance activities, identify vulnerable applications, or craft targeted attacks against specific package installations. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) demonstrates its potential for escalating security breaches.
Security implications of CVE-2022-20323 are particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Android 13 and the fundamental role of PackageManager in system security. The vulnerability essentially allows for unauthorized package enumeration, which could reveal the presence of system applications, third-party applications, or even hidden security tools installed on the device. This information could be exploited to bypass security mechanisms or to target specific applications for more advanced attacks. The lack of user interaction requirement for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without requiring any user engagement or consent, enabling stealthy reconnaissance and data collection operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, permission reviews, and monitoring for anomalous package installation activities to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.