CVE-2022-20556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Android that could allow a guest user to escalate privileges without additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2022-20556

This CVE identifies a security issue in Android-13 that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege.

What is CVE-2022-20556?

The vulnerability lies in the launchConfigNewNetworkFragment of NetworkProviderSettings.java. It allows a guest user to add a new WiFi network without the required permission check.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20556

Exploiting this vulnerability could result in local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction, posing a risk to the security of Android-13 devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20556

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from a missing permission check in the launchConfigNewNetworkFragment of NetworkProviderSettings.java, enabling unauthorized users to add WiFi networks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Android-13 devices that have not yet addressed this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of permission validation, a guest user can escalate their privileges locally on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2022-20556.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to exercise caution and avoid interacting with untrusted WiFi networks until a fix is applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce secure coding practices and regularly update devices to maintain a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Android-13 devices are promptly updated with the latest security patches and fixes.