CVE-2022-20518 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In query of MmsSmsProvider.java, there is a possible access to restricted tables due to SQL injection. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-224770203
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20518 resides within the MmsSmsProvider.java component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 13 versions. This security flaw represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to restricted database tables through crafted query parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability that has been consistently exploited in various attack scenarios across the cybersecurity landscape.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the query processing mechanism of the MmsSmsProvider, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL statements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that manipulates the SQL query execution flow, potentially bypassing access controls and gaining visibility into restricted messaging database tables. The vulnerability requires only user execution privileges to exploit, meaning that any application or process running with standard user permissions could leverage this flaw to access sensitive information stored in the SMS and MMS database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to access personal communication data, including text messages, multimedia messages, and associated metadata. This information disclosure could lead to privacy violations, identity theft, and potential exploitation of communication patterns that might reveal sensitive personal or business information. The local nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation occurs on the device itself, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where devices contain extensive personal data and may be used in enterprise settings where additional security considerations apply.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 which covers "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion" and potentially T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" if attackers use the information disclosed to craft more convincing social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure issue means it fits within the broader category of privilege escalation attacks where attackers seek to gain unauthorized access to information that should be restricted. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as part of their overall mobile security posture, particularly in environments where mobile devices contain sensitive information. The recommended mitigation includes applying the latest security patches from Android, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and ensuring that database access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized table access even when SQL injection attacks occur.
The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in mobile platform security where complex database interactions and query processing mechanisms can introduce subtle but critical flaws. Mobile operating systems like Android must maintain rigorous security standards in their core components, especially those handling sensitive user data such as messaging information. Security researchers and vendors should continue monitoring for similar patterns in other database access components within mobile platforms, as the complexity of these systems creates numerous potential attack vectors. The presence of such vulnerabilities in core messaging components underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing and code review processes specifically focused on database interaction security.