CVE-2022-20506 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In onCreate of WifiDialogActivity.java, there is a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege from a guest user with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-226133034
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20506 resides within the WifiDialogActivity.java component of Android 13 systems, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized privilege escalation. This issue manifests in the onCreate method where a fundamental permission verification mechanism is absent, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security model. The vulnerability specifically targets guest users who typically possess minimal privileges and no additional execution capabilities, yet can leverage this flaw to elevate their privileges to higher levels within the system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper access control checks during the initialization phase of the Wi-Fi dialog activity. When the onCreate method executes, it fails to validate whether the calling process possesses the necessary permissions to interact with Wi-Fi configuration interfaces. This missing validation creates an exploitable condition where unauthorized processes can manipulate Wi-Fi settings and potentially access restricted system resources. The flaw operates at the application framework level, specifically within Android's security boundaries that govern inter-process communication and resource access control.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android 13 devices as it requires no user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker with minimal initial access can potentially gain administrative rights to the device, enabling them to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or install malicious software. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it undermines the fundamental security model of Android's permission system and could potentially allow attackers to bypass other security controls within the device.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in Android's security architecture. Security researchers have noted that this flaw could be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack vectors, particularly in environments where guest users might have access to devices through legitimate means such as shared or public computing systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in core system components that are frequently accessed during normal device operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive permission checks within the onCreate method of WifiDialogActivity.java, ensuring that all incoming requests are properly authenticated and authorized before any system interactions occur. Android developers and security teams should prioritize updating affected systems and implementing proper access control mechanisms that validate user permissions before allowing any interaction with Wi-Fi configuration interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential similar vulnerabilities in their Android applications and implement robust monitoring systems to detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The fix should align with established security practices outlined in the Android Security Model documentation and follow the ATT&CK framework's guidance for privilege escalation techniques to ensure comprehensive protection against such vulnerabilities.