CVE-2022-20463 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
In factoryReset of WifiServiceImpl, there is a possible way to preserve WiFi settings due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to a local non-security issue across network factory resets with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-231985227
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20463 resides within the factoryReset functionality of the WifiServiceImpl component in Android operating systems spanning versions 10 through 13. This issue manifests as a logic error that undermines the intended behavior of network factory resets, creating a scenario where WiFi configuration settings may persist despite the reset operation. The flaw operates at the system level within the Wi-Fi service implementation, specifically affecting how the system handles the complete erasure of wireless network configurations during factory reset procedures. The vulnerability represents a deviation from expected security practices where device administrators anticipate complete removal of network credentials and configurations during factory resets, which is a fundamental requirement for device sanitization and security compliance.
The technical implementation flaw occurs in the factoryReset method of WifiServiceImpl where the logic governing WiFi setting preservation fails to properly execute the complete removal of wireless configurations. This logic error means that while the system attempts to reset the device to factory defaults, certain WiFi-related data structures or configuration parameters may retain their values, effectively preserving network settings that should have been completely eliminated. The vulnerability is classified as a local issue since it requires no special privileges or user interaction to exploit, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered by any local process or user with basic system access. This characteristic aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses related to improper handling of security-relevant data during system operations, and represents a failure in proper access control mechanisms during system reset procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration persistence, as it creates potential security implications for device sanitization and compliance requirements. When users or administrators perform factory resets expecting complete removal of network credentials and configurations, this flaw means that previously configured WiFi networks, passwords, and connection profiles may remain accessible to unauthorized parties. This scenario particularly affects enterprise environments where devices are regularly reset and redeployed, as it undermines the security assumptions that network credentials are properly removed during these operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper resource cleanup during system state transitions, potentially enabling unauthorized access to previously configured network resources. From an attack perspective, this represents a low-effort vector for privilege escalation or information disclosure, as it requires no additional execution privileges and operates within the normal system workflow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20463 should focus on implementing proper code reviews and security testing for system-level operations, particularly those involving data sanitization and configuration reset procedures. Organizations should ensure that all factory reset operations properly validate and execute complete removal of network credentials and configurations, with additional checks to verify that no residual data remains accessible. The fix typically involves correcting the logic error in the factoryReset method to ensure all WiFi-related configuration data structures are properly cleared and that no network settings are preserved during the reset process. Security teams should also implement monitoring for anomalous factory reset behaviors and ensure that system updates are applied promptly to address this vulnerability. This issue relates to ATT&CK technique T1490, which covers data destruction and system modification activities, and highlights the importance of proper system state management during security-sensitive operations. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive testing for security-relevant system operations and demonstrates how seemingly minor logic errors can have significant implications for device security and data protection.