CVE-2022-20342 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2022
In WiFi, there is a possible disclosure of WiFi password to the end user due to an insecure default value. 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-143534321
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2022
This vulnerability exists within the Android Wi-Fi subsystem where an insecure default configuration allows unauthorized disclosure of Wi-Fi passwords to end users. The flaw manifests as a privilege escalation issue that enables local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android 13 systems and is identified by Android ID A-143534321, representing a significant security concern within the wireless networking framework. The insecure default value creates a persistent exposure that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of wireless network authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which addresses the disclosure of sensitive information, and represents a classic case of insecure configuration management that exposes critical authentication data. The vulnerability demonstrates how default settings can create attack vectors that bypass normal security controls and provide unauthorized access to sensitive network credentials.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the Wi-Fi password disclosure mechanism where default configurations fail to properly enforce access controls for sensitive network authentication data. The vulnerability operates at the system level within Android's network management services where Wi-Fi credentials are stored and managed. Attackers can exploit this by leveraging the insecure default values to access stored Wi-Fi passwords without requiring elevated privileges or additional attack vectors. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this particularly concerning as it enables automated exploitation and can occur during normal system operation. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where sensitive information is exposed through default system behavior rather than being properly secured through configuration management practices. This creates a persistent threat that remains active until the underlying configuration is corrected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable broader network compromise scenarios. Local attackers can access stored Wi-Fi credentials and potentially use them to gain unauthorized access to corporate or personal networks, creating opportunities for lateral movement and persistent access. The vulnerability undermines trust in the Android Wi-Fi subsystem and affects user confidence in the security of their wireless network connections. Organizations relying on Android devices for network access may experience unauthorized network penetration if this vulnerability is exploited. The exposure of Wi-Fi passwords through insecure defaults creates a vector for credential reuse attacks and can facilitate more sophisticated attacks targeting network infrastructure. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure configuration practices in mobile operating systems and highlights how default settings can create security gaps that persist across system updates and deployments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate configuration updates and system hardening measures. Users and administrators should verify that Wi-Fi credential storage and management configurations are properly secured and that default values are not left in insecure states. The recommended approach involves implementing proper access controls for network credential storage and ensuring that default configurations align with security best practices. System administrators should review and update Wi-Fi management policies to prevent unauthorized access to stored credentials. Regular security audits of mobile device configurations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar insecure default settings. This vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of default configurations and the importance of implementing secure-by-default principles in mobile operating systems. Organizations should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce secure configuration policies and monitor for unauthorized access to sensitive network information. The remediation process should include verification that the specific insecure default values have been corrected and that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized disclosure of Wi-Fi credentials.