CVE-2022-20481 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2023
In multiple files, there is a possible way to preserve WiFi settings due to residual data after a reset. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-241927115
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's handling of WiFi configuration data during factory reset operations. The issue stems from insufficient data sanitization processes that fail to completely erase residual WiFi settings and related configuration parameters from persistent storage. When users perform a factory reset on affected Android devices running versions 10 through 13, including Android 12L and 13, the system does not adequately purge all WiFi-related information from memory locations where such data might persist. This flaw represents a direct violation of secure deletion principles and creates an information disclosure risk that aligns with CWE-225, which addresses insufficient logging or monitoring of security-relevant events. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's WiFi management subsystem where configuration parameters including network names, security credentials, and connection preferences remain accessible through residual data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, typically involving a factory reset operation followed by specific actions to access the preserved data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to recover WiFi credentials, network identifiers, and other sensitive connection parameters that were previously configured on the device. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that this vulnerability can be exploited through standard user-level operations without requiring elevated system access or root capabilities. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile devices where users may not fully understand the implications of factory resets. The persistence of this data across reset operations violates fundamental security assumptions about device sanitization and data protection.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20481 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable broader security compromise scenarios. An attacker who gains access to preserved WiFi credentials could potentially establish unauthorized network connections, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or use the recovered credentials to access networks that were previously secured. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where employees may use company-issued devices that contain sensitive corporate network configurations. The risk is amplified when considering that many users perform factory resets without fully understanding the implications of data preservation, especially when transitioning between devices or when devices are lost or stolen. This vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" and specifically addresses the exposure of stored authentication information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive data sanitization procedures during factory reset operations. Device manufacturers must ensure that all WiFi-related configuration data is properly erased from persistent storage locations, including flash memory and other non-volatile storage areas. The Android security model should enforce strict data isolation between user configuration and system-level operations, ensuring that reset procedures completely purge all sensitive information. Organizations should implement additional monitoring of factory reset operations and educate users about proper device sanitization practices. Security patches should include enhanced memory management routines that guarantee complete data erasure and implement cryptographic wiping techniques where appropriate. Regular security audits should verify that reset procedures comply with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-88 for media sanitization and ensure that the device's security posture remains intact throughout all operational states including recovery and reset scenarios.