CVE-2022-20547 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In multiple functions of AdapterService.java, there is a possible way to manipulate Bluetooth state 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-240301753
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20547 represents a critical security flaw within Android's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically within the AdapterService.java component that manages Bluetooth adapter operations. This issue stems from insufficient permission validation mechanisms that allow unauthorized code execution to manipulate Bluetooth state information without proper authorization. The flaw exists across multiple functions within the Bluetooth service implementation, creating a persistent attack surface that could be exploited by malicious applications or processes running with limited privileges. The vulnerability affects Android 13 and potentially earlier versions, with the Android ID A-240301753 documenting the specific technical details of the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the missing permission checks within the AdapterService.java file where Bluetooth state manipulation functions fail to validate whether the calling process possesses the necessary privileges to perform such operations. This design flaw enables local privilege escalation attacks where an attacker with minimal execution privileges can directly invoke Bluetooth state modification functions without proper authentication or authorization. The absence of proper access controls means that any application or process running on the device can potentially alter Bluetooth configuration settings, including enabling or disabling Bluetooth services, modifying connection parameters, or manipulating Bluetooth device discovery behaviors. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an attack vector that bypasses normal Android security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple Bluetooth manipulation to encompass potential system-wide security implications. Local privilege escalation through Bluetooth state manipulation could enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without user awareness or consent. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to disable security features, redirect Bluetooth communications, or create unauthorized access points that could be leveraged for further attacks. The implications are especially severe in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity may be used for device management or security protocols.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-20547 should focus on implementing comprehensive permission validation throughout the Bluetooth service components, particularly within the AdapterService.java file. The fix requires adding proper access control checks that verify the calling process has appropriate privileges before allowing Bluetooth state modifications. Organizations should ensure that all Bluetooth-related functions implement mandatory access controls and that the Android system enforces strict permission boundaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized privilege escalation. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security audits of system services and implementation of the principle of least privilege for all Bluetooth operations. Additionally, the fix should be coordinated with Android security updates to ensure consistent deployment across affected versions, with particular attention to the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system service manipulation.