CVE-2022-20476 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
In setEnabledSetting of PackageManager.java, there is a possible way to get the device into an infinite reboot loop due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local denial of service 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-240936919
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20476 resides within the PackageManager.java component of Android operating systems spanning versions 10 through 12L. This flaw manifests in the setEnabledSetting method where improper resource management creates a condition that can lead to infinite reboot loops through resource exhaustion. The vulnerability operates at the system level where package management functionality interacts with device resources, creating a pathway for denial of service attacks that do not require elevated privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This represents a critical security weakness that affects the fundamental stability and availability of affected Android devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate resource handling within the PackageManager's setEnabledSetting function. When the system processes package enable/disable operations, it fails to properly manage memory allocation and resource cleanup mechanisms. This resource exhaustion condition can occur when the system repeatedly attempts to process package state changes without proper bounds checking or resource limiting. The flaw creates a feedback loop where the system becomes overwhelmed by its own resource management operations, leading to a cascade of failures that ultimately results in continuous reboot cycles. This behavior aligns with CWE-400 vulnerability classification related to resource exhaustion and represents a classic example of how improper resource management can lead to system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20476 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise device availability and user productivity. An attacker can trigger this vulnerability without requiring any special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely or through seemingly benign package management operations. The infinite reboot loop created by this flaw effectively renders the device unusable until manual intervention occurs, which may involve complete device reset or recovery procedures. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where device management and availability are critical, as it can be used to disrupt service continuity and potentially cause broader operational impacts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20476 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Android device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize deployment of security updates that address the resource management issues within PackageManager.java. Organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual reboot patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider implementing package management restrictions and monitoring for abnormal package state changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource management in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of resource handling mechanisms. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 related to resource exhaustion attacks, emphasizing the need for defensive measures against such system-level vulnerabilities. Given the nature of the flaw, it is essential that security teams maintain awareness of patch deployment schedules and verify that affected devices receive timely security updates to prevent exploitation.