CVE-2022-20562 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In various functions of ap_input_processor.c, there is a possible way to record audio during a phone call due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-231630423References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20562 represents a critical logic error within the Android kernel's audio input processing subsystem. This flaw exists in the ap_input_processor.c file and specifically affects the handling of audio recording operations during active phone calls. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and state management within the kernel-level audio processing functions that govern how microphone input is managed during communication sessions. Attackers can exploit this condition to potentially capture audio data without explicit user consent or interaction, leveraging the existing permissions typically granted to user-level applications during normal call operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a logic error that allows unauthorized audio capture during phone call execution. When a phone call is active, the system's audio input processor fails to properly validate or restrict access to microphone resources, creating an unintended pathway for audio recording. This logic flaw exists in the kernel's audio processing functions where proper access controls are not enforced during active communication sessions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the audio input processor's ability to distinguish between legitimate and unauthorized audio capture requests, allowing malicious code to bypass normal security boundaries. According to CWE-254, this represents a weakness in the security model where the system fails to properly enforce access control mechanisms, particularly during sensitive operations like phone calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables unauthorized surveillance during private communications. An attacker with user execution privileges can leverage this flaw to record conversations without user awareness, potentially capturing sensitive personal or business information. The local nature of exploitation means that the vulnerability does not require network connectivity or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently in the background. This creates a significant risk for privacy violations and potential data breaches, especially in environments where sensitive communications occur regularly. The vulnerability's classification as local information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1056.001 for input injection and T1566 for social engineering, as it enables covert data collection during trusted communication sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20562 should focus on strengthening kernel-level access controls and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest Android security patches that address this specific logic error in the audio input processor functions. The fix typically involves implementing proper access control checks that prevent unauthorized audio recording during active phone calls, ensuring that microphone access is properly validated against the current communication state. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous audio processing activities during call sessions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel security model implementation and reinforces the need for comprehensive code reviews focusing on input validation and access control enforcement. Security teams should also establish baseline monitoring for unusual audio capture patterns during phone calls, as this represents a specific attack vector that can be exploited without user interaction.