CVE-2022-39008 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
The NFC module has bundle serialization/deserialization vulnerabilities. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause third-party apps to read and write files that are accessible only to system apps.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39008 resides within the NFC module of Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the system's privilege separation mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of bundle serialization and deserialization processes within the NFC subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious applications to bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to 2022, with the specific patch released in September 2022 addressing the root cause through enhanced input validation and stricter permission enforcement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted NFC data payloads that manipulate the bundle serialization process during NFC communication. When a third-party application receives NFC data, the deserialization routine fails to properly validate the incoming data structure, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can manipulate the system's permission model. This flaw directly relates to CWE-502, which describes deserialization of untrusted data, and can be categorized under CWE-276, representing improper file permissions and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows a malicious application to escalate its privileges and access files that should be restricted to system-level applications only, effectively breaking the principle of least privilege that forms the foundation of Android's security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-39008 extends beyond simple data access violations, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise the entire device security posture. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive system files, modify critical device configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors through the manipulation of system applications. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through NFC communication with maliciously crafted tags or devices. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data, as it allows for the potential compromise of business-critical information through seemingly innocuous NFC interactions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate system updates and enhanced security monitoring. Organizations should prioritize patching affected devices with the latest Android security updates, which include hardened bundle validation routines and improved access control enforcement. Network administrators should implement enhanced monitoring of NFC communication patterns and establish security policies that limit NFC functionality in high-security environments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in mobile applications, as outlined in the OWASP Mobile Top 10 framework, particularly in relation to mobile-specific threats such as those involving inter-process communication and privilege escalation. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized third-party applications from accessing NFC capabilities, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters.