CVE-2022-20457 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
In getMountModeInternal of StorageManagerService.java, there is a possible prevention of package installation due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-243924784
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20457 resides within the Android storage management subsystem, specifically in the StorageManagerService.java file where the getMountModeInternal method fails to properly validate input parameters. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to prevent legitimate package installations while simultaneously enabling unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects Android 13 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-243924784, indicating its severity and the attention it has received from Google's security team.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the storage mount mode determination process. When the system attempts to determine the appropriate mount mode for storage devices, the getMountModeInternal method does not sufficiently validate the parameters it receives, creating a potential attack vector where malformed inputs could trigger unexpected behavior. This improper validation allows an attacker to manipulate the storage management logic in ways that were not anticipated by the original design, potentially leading to system state modifications that should only be accessible to privileged components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android device security as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where storage management services reside, meaning that any local application or process with basic access could potentially exploit this weakness. The prevention of package installation capability suggests that the vulnerability could be weaponized to create denial-of-service conditions or to block legitimate applications from installing, effectively giving attackers control over the device's application ecosystem.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple package installation prevention, as it opens pathways for broader system compromise through privilege escalation. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain elevated privileges within the Android security model, potentially accessing sensitive system resources or modifying critical components that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation issues, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges for system access. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without requiring any form of social engineering or user deception.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20457 should prioritize immediate system updates from Google and device manufacturers, as this vulnerability affects core Android functionality. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected Android 13 devices receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous storage access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and enhanced monitoring of system-level storage operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in system-level components and highlights the need for rigorous input validation mechanisms in all security-critical code paths.