CVE-2022-20465 is a security vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically affecting versions 10 through 13, including Android 12L. The flaw resides in the dismiss and related functions within the KeyguardHostViewController.java and associated files. Due to a logic error in the code, this vulnerability allows a local attacker to bypass the device lockscreen, effectively elevating their privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is categorized as an elevation of privilege issue (CWE-276), where the attacker can gain higher-level access than intended by exploiting the lockscreen bypass. The attack vector is local (AV:P), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device, but no authentication (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N) is required. The impact primarily affects the integrity of the device, as unauthorized access to the device’s functions and data can be achieved. Confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.6 (medium severity), reflecting its moderate risk profile. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, although it is likely that Google has addressed this issue in subsequent security updates. The vulnerability’s exploitation does not require the attacker to have prior elevated privileges, making it a concern for devices that may be physically accessed by malicious actors or compromised through other means that grant local access.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-20465 lies in the potential for unauthorized local access to Android devices used within corporate environments. This could lead to compromise of sensitive corporate data, unauthorized use of corporate applications, and potential lateral movement within networks if devices are used as entry points. The lockscreen bypass undermines device security controls, increasing the risk of data integrity violations and unauthorized configuration changes. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect confidentiality or availability, the ability to bypass lockscreen protections can facilitate further attacks or data exfiltration. Organizations with employees using Android devices for work, especially those with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, are at risk if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized personnel. The lack of required user interaction means that exploitation can be stealthy and automated once local access is obtained. This vulnerability also poses a risk to sectors with high security requirements, such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure, where device integrity is paramount.

1. Ensure all Android devices are updated to the latest available security patches from device manufacturers or carriers, as Google typically addresses such vulnerabilities in monthly security updates. 2. Enforce strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor device compliance and remotely wipe or lock compromised devices. 3. Implement strong physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, including secure storage and employee awareness training on device handling. 4. Use additional authentication layers such as biometric verification or two-factor authentication for sensitive applications to reduce the risk posed by lockscreen bypass. 5. Regularly audit and monitor device logs for unusual access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6. For high-risk environments, consider disabling lockscreen shortcuts or features that could be exploited via the KeyguardHostViewController logic error. 7. Educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of promptly reporting lost or stolen devices. 8. Collaborate with device vendors to confirm patch deployment status and timelines, especially for devices with delayed update cycles.