CVE-2022-20562 is a security vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within various functions of the ap_input_processor.c source file. The flaw arises from a logic error that potentially allows unauthorized recording of audio during an ongoing phone call. This vulnerability leads to local information disclosure, meaning an attacker with local user privileges on the device could exploit this issue to capture audio data without the knowledge or consent of the user. Exploitation does not require any user interaction, which increases the risk of silent data leakage. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-693, indicating an issue related to protection mechanism failures or logic errors that undermine security controls. The CVSS 3.1 base score assigned is 3.3, reflecting a low severity level, primarily because exploitation requires local privileges and does not impact system integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches or vendor advisories have been referenced in the provided data. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel broadly, which is a critical component of the Android operating system responsible for managing hardware interactions and system resources. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, the impact is limited to devices running vulnerable Android kernel versions, and the attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to have some level of access to the device already. However, the absence of required user interaction means that once local access is obtained, the attacker could silently record audio during calls, potentially exposing sensitive conversations and private information.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-20562 lies in the potential compromise of confidentiality through unauthorized audio recording during phone calls on Android devices. Organizations with employees using vulnerable Android devices for sensitive communications risk leakage of proprietary or personal information. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling confidential data such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government agencies. Although the vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability, the breach of confidentiality can lead to reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and potential legal consequences. The local privilege requirement limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or malware that gains local access could leverage this vulnerability. The lack of user interaction needed for exploitation increases the stealthiness of potential attacks. Since the vulnerability affects the Android kernel, devices running custom or outdated Android versions without timely security updates are at higher risk. The impact is mitigated somewhat by the low CVSS score and the absence of known exploits, but organizations should remain vigilant given the sensitivity of audio data and the prevalence of Android devices in corporate environments.

1. Ensure all Android devices within the organization are updated to the latest available security patches and kernel versions provided by device manufacturers or carriers, even if no direct patch is currently referenced, as vendors may have released fixes post-disclosure. 2. Implement strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security baselines, including restricting installation of unauthorized applications that could gain local privileges. 3. Limit local access to devices by enforcing strong authentication mechanisms such as biometric locks or complex PINs to reduce the risk of privilege escalation by unauthorized users. 4. Monitor device behavior for unusual audio recording activities or unauthorized access attempts using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile devices. 5. Educate employees about the risks of installing untrusted applications or granting excessive permissions that could facilitate local privilege escalation. 6. For highly sensitive communications, consider using end-to-end encrypted communication apps that do not rely solely on the device’s kernel audio processing, thereby reducing the risk of audio data leakage through kernel-level vulnerabilities. 7. Regularly audit and review device security posture and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving local audio data compromise.