CVE-2022-20519 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In onCreate of AddAppNetworksActivity.java, there is a possible way for a guest user to configure WiFi networks due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-224772678
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20519 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the Android operating system's network configuration framework. This issue exists in the onCreate method of the AddAppNetworksActivity.java component, where a fundamental security check has been omitted, allowing unauthorized guest users to manipulate WiFi network configurations. The flaw specifically targets the Android 13 operating system and is catalogued under Android ID A-224772678, highlighting its significance within the mobile security landscape.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a missing permission verification mechanism within the Android framework's network management subsystem. When a guest user attempts to configure WiFi networks through the AddAppNetworksActivity, the application fails to validate whether the current user context possesses the necessary administrative privileges required for such operations. This omission creates a pathway for privilege escalation, as the guest user can effectively bypass the standard access controls that should normally restrict network configuration capabilities to authorized administrators or users with appropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized network access, potentially enabling local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this flaw to modify network settings, potentially redirecting traffic through malicious endpoints or establishing unauthorized connections that could compromise network integrity and data confidentiality. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any manual intervention from the end user, significantly expanding its potential attack surface.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through system configuration modifications. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model, where the operating system fails to properly enforce mandatory access controls during network configuration operations. Security researchers have identified this as a critical issue that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges within the device's network management context, potentially enabling further exploitation of other system components.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper permission checks within the AddAppNetworksActivity.java component, ensuring that all network configuration operations require appropriate authorization levels. Android developers and security teams should review all network-related activities to verify that mandatory access controls are properly enforced, particularly for guest or unprivileged user contexts. Additionally, system updates and patches should be deployed immediately to address this flaw, as the vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a high-priority security concern that requires urgent remediation to protect user devices and network integrity.