CVE-2022-20556 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In launchConfigNewNetworkFragment of NetworkProviderSettings.java, there is a possible way for the guest user to add a new WiFi network 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-246301667
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20556 resides within the Android operating system's NetworkProviderSettings.java component, specifically within the launchConfigNewNetworkFragment method. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows guest users to potentially add new WiFi networks without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector that operates without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a missing permission check within the network configuration fragment handling mechanism. When a guest user attempts to launch a new network configuration fragment, the system fails to validate whether the user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform such an operation. This oversight creates a pathway where unauthorized network modifications can be executed, potentially allowing malicious actors to establish persistent network access points or redirect network traffic. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, specifically targeting the network management subsystem that governs WiFi network provisioning and configuration.
From an operational impact standpoint, this vulnerability enables guest users to perform actions that should typically be restricted to administrators or system-level processes. The local escalation of privilege achieved through this flaw means that an attacker who has already gained guest-level access to a device can leverage this vulnerability to expand their control over the device's network capabilities. This could potentially lead to man-in-the-middle attacks, unauthorized network access, or the establishment of backdoor network connections that persist across device reboots. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be automated and deployed without requiring user engagement or specific conditions to be met.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system privileges, and T1547, which covers the establishment of persistence through system-level modifications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the core Android framework components, making it difficult to detect and remediate through traditional security measures. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures and consider network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Android security patches provided by Google, which address the missing permission checks in the network configuration fragment handling. System administrators should also consider implementing additional network monitoring controls to detect unauthorized network configuration changes, particularly those that occur during guest user sessions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive permission validation within Android framework components and underscores the need for regular security assessments of core system functionalities. Device manufacturers and carriers should ensure that all affected Android 13 devices receive timely security updates to prevent exploitation of this privilege escalation vector.