CVE-2022-20471 is a medium-severity information disclosure vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the Android operating system, specifically Android 11, 12, 12L, and 13. The vulnerability exists in the function SendIncDecRestoreCmdPart2 within the NxpMfcReader.cc source file, which is part of the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem responsible for interacting with MIFARE Classic cards. The root cause is a missing bounds check that leads to an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125). This flaw allows a local attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in memory. Exploitation does not require user interaction, nor does it require elevated privileges beyond local access, making it easier for an attacker with limited access to exploit. However, the attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (high impact on confidentiality), but does not affect integrity or availability. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the published date. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting the moderate risk posed by this vulnerability. Since the vulnerability is in the Android NFC subsystem, it primarily affects devices with NFC hardware and software stacks running the affected Android versions. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious apps or local attackers to extract sensitive data from memory, potentially including cryptographic keys or personal information, depending on what data resides in the affected memory regions. Given the lack of required user interaction and the local attack vector, the vulnerability is more likely to be exploited by attackers with physical or local access to the device rather than remote attackers.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-20471 depends largely on the prevalence of affected Android devices within their environment, especially those with NFC capabilities. Organizations that issue Android devices to employees or rely on Android-based mobile devices for sensitive operations could face confidentiality risks if attackers gain local access to these devices. Potentially sensitive information such as authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or personal data could be exposed, leading to privacy violations or facilitating further attacks. Sectors with high use of NFC for secure transactions, such as banking, retail, or transportation, could be particularly at risk if attackers exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from NFC interactions. However, since exploitation requires local access and no known remote exploits exist, the risk of widespread remote attacks is low. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or devices within organizations. Additionally, the lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy exploitation once local access is obtained. Overall, the impact is moderate but should not be underestimated in environments with sensitive data and widespread Android device usage.

1. Deploy patches and updates: Although no specific patch links are provided, organizations should monitor official Android security bulletins and device manufacturer updates to apply patches addressing CVE-2022-20471 as soon as they become available. 2. Restrict local access: Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to Android devices, including device locking policies, secure storage, and employee awareness training. 3. Limit NFC usage: Where possible, disable NFC functionality on devices that do not require it, reducing the attack surface. 4. Application vetting: Enforce strict application installation policies to prevent installation of untrusted or malicious apps that could exploit this vulnerability locally. 5. Device encryption and secure boot: Ensure full device encryption and secure boot mechanisms are enabled to protect data confidentiality and integrity, limiting the impact of memory disclosure. 6. Monitor for suspicious activity: Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device behavior and detect anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local device compromise scenarios to quickly contain and remediate potential exploitation.