CVE-2022-39855 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2022
Improper access control vulnerability in FACM application prior to SMR Oct-2022 Release 1 allows a local attacker to connect arbitrary AP and Bluetooth devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-39855 represents a critical improper access control flaw within the FACM application ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to the SMR October 2022 Release 1. This weakness resides in the application's authorization mechanisms and permits unauthorized local users to establish connections with arbitrary access points and bluetooth devices, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the affected systems. The vulnerability manifests due to insufficient validation of user permissions and device access controls, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass established security boundaries.
From a technical perspective, the flaw operates through the application's failure to properly enforce access control policies when establishing wireless connections. The FACM application likely maintains a set of authorized network connections and device pairings that should be strictly controlled, yet the vulnerability allows local attackers to circumvent these restrictions. This improper access control scenario aligns with CWE-284, which categorizes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. The vulnerability essentially permits privilege escalation at the network interface level, enabling attackers to connect to unauthorized wireless networks or pair with unapproved bluetooth peripherals without proper authentication or authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations utilizing affected FACM applications. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to establish connections with malicious access points, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, or network infiltration. The bluetooth device connection aspect further compounds the risk, as it could allow for physical device manipulation or the introduction of malicious peripherals that could compromise system integrity. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where wireless network access and device connectivity are tightly controlled, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of network isolation and device authentication.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given that it operates at the local user level, requiring minimal privileges to exploit. Attackers need only have local access to the system to leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in shared or multi-user environments. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, the attacker can maintain unauthorized connections until the system is rebooted or the application is updated to address the flaw. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol: bluetooth, where adversaries use wireless protocols to establish unauthorized connections and potentially move laterally within networks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the SMR October 2022 Release 1 or subsequent versions that address the access control implementation. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for unauthorized wireless connections and bluetooth pairing attempts to detect potential exploitation. The principle of least privilege should be enforced more strictly, ensuring that only authorized users and processes can initiate wireless network connections. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and wireless access control lists to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security assessments of wireless connectivity controls and device management policies should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses throughout the network infrastructure.