CVE-2022-20429 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2022
In CarSettings of app packages, there is a possible permission bypass due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in Bluetooth settings with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-220741473
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20429 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the CarSettings application component of Android operating systems spanning versions 10 through 12L. This issue stems from a confused deputy problem that allows unauthorized privilege escalation within Bluetooth settings functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects the CarSettings package structure where the system fails to properly validate the identity of calling processes, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the permission model. The confused deputy scenario occurs when a legitimate system component incorrectly processes requests from an untrusted source, effectively allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the CarSettings application failing to properly authenticate the source of Bluetooth configuration requests. When Bluetooth settings are modified through the CarSettings interface, the system should verify that the requesting process has appropriate permissions before granting access to sensitive Bluetooth configuration parameters. However, due to insufficient validation mechanisms, an attacker can craft malicious requests that appear to originate from legitimate system components while actually being executed by unauthorized processes. This flaw operates at the system-level permission model where the CarSettings component accepts requests without proper identity verification, creating a pathway for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges within the Bluetooth subsystem of automotive applications, potentially accessing sensitive vehicle data or modifying critical Bluetooth configurations. The vulnerability affects all Android versions from 10 through 12L, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Android releases and suggesting that the underlying permission model flaw has persisted through several system updates. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization issues, and represents a classic confused deputy problem that violates the principle of least privilege.
Security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability can be exploited to manipulate Bluetooth connectivity settings that may control vehicle functions, particularly in automotive environments where Bluetooth connectivity often interfaces with critical vehicle systems. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially allowing for persistent access to vehicle Bluetooth configurations. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper process identity verification within the CarSettings component and ensuring that all Bluetooth configuration requests undergo rigorous authentication before being processed. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper permission boundaries in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of automotive application interfaces.
The flaw exemplifies ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or privileges to gain unauthorized access to system resources. This vulnerability specifically targets the Android permission system and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates, process monitoring, and enhanced permission validation mechanisms. The vulnerability also relates to Android security model weaknesses that require proper implementation of the principle of least privilege and robust authentication mechanisms. Given the automotive context, this vulnerability represents a serious concern for vehicle security and could potentially be exploited to compromise vehicle safety systems that rely on Bluetooth connectivity.