CVE-2022-20116 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-20116, a vulnerability impacting Android devices, potentially leading to the escalation of privileges.

Understanding CVE-2022-20116

This section delves into the nature of the CVE-2022-20116 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-20116?

The vulnerability lies in the onEntryUpdated function of OngoingCallController.kt, allowing the launch of non-exported activities through intent redirection. It could result in local privilege escalation, with no user interaction needed for exploitation. The affected products include Android versions 12 and 12L.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20116

The vulnerability poses a risk of elevation of privilege on Android devices, potentially granting unauthorized access to system resources and sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20116

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2022-20116.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OngoingCallController.kt enables unauthorized launching of non-exported activities, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation on Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android versions 12 and 12L are affected by CVE-2022-20116, exposing devices running these versions to the risk of privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the intent redirection flaw in the onEntryUpdated function, threat actors can execute non-exported activities, leading to the escalation of privileges without requiring user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section elucidates the mitigation strategies and preventive measures for CVE-2022-20116.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by Android to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities on the device is crucial to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices such as regular security updates, maintaining device integrity, and restricting unnecessary app permissions can enhance the overall security posture of Android devices.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about upcoming security bulletins and promptly applying patches released by Android is essential to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-20116.