CVE-2022-20451 is a high-severity local elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the Android operating system, specifically Android 10 through Android 13, including Android 12L. The vulnerability exists in the CallsManager component, specifically within the onCallRedirectionComplete method of the CallsManager.java source file. The root cause is a missing permission check that allows a permissions bypass. This flaw enables a local attacker to escalate their privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges beyond what they already have. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the attacker must trick or convince the user to perform some action to trigger the vulnerability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required initially. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization). There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patch links were provided in the source data. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated permissions on the device, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system settings, or disruption of device functionality.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk particularly to enterprises that rely on Android devices for sensitive communications or business operations. The elevation of privilege could allow malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access to a device to escalate their privileges and access confidential corporate data, intercept or manipulate calls, or install persistent malware. This could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical business communications. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe across various sectors including finance, healthcare, and government, the potential impact is broad. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means that social engineering or phishing attacks could be used to exploit this vulnerability, increasing the risk of successful compromise. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

European organizations should prioritize updating Android devices to the latest security patches provided by device manufacturers or Google as soon as they become available. Since no patch links were provided in the source, organizations should monitor official Android security bulletins and vendor advisories for updates addressing CVE-2022-20451. In the interim, organizations should implement strict device usage policies, including restricting installation of untrusted applications and educating users about the risks of social engineering attacks that could trigger the required user interaction for exploitation. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions should be used to enforce security configurations and monitor for suspicious activity. Additionally, organizations should consider restricting sensitive operations on Android devices until patches are applied and ensure that sensitive data is protected through encryption and access controls. Regular security awareness training focusing on phishing and social engineering can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.