CVE-2022-20218
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's PermissionController allows malicious apps to obtain and retain permissions without user consent due to a logic error. It affects Android 12 and 12L devices, enabling local privilege escalation that could give apps unauthorized access to sensitive data or device functions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app gains persistent access to sensitive permissions (camera, microphone, location, contacts) without user knowledge, enabling comprehensive surveillance and data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Malware or adware apps abuse permissions to collect user data, display intrusive ads, or perform unwanted actions in background.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only install apps from trusted sources and device is patched; permissions remain properly controlled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious app; exploitation involves manipulating permission request flows. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Update July 2022 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2022-07-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install July 2022 or later Android security update. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from Google Play Store and avoid sideloading unknown apps
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
Review app permissions
androidRegularly audit and revoke unnecessary app permissions
Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Revoke suspicious permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace device with supported Android version
- Use device only for non-sensitive tasks and avoid installing new apps
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version: Settings > About phone > Android version. If version is 12 or 12L without July 2022 security patch, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android version is 12 or 12L with security patch level July 2022 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission grants in system logs
- Apps requesting permissions inconsistent with their functionality
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from apps with suspicious permissions
SIEM Query:
Not typically applicable for mobile device logs in enterprise SIEM