CVE-2022-36442 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in Zebra Enterprise Home Screen version 4.1.19. This vulnerability arises from the embedded Google Chrome application within the Zebra Enterprise Home Screen environment, which allows an attacker to install unauthorized applications via a downloaded APK file. The core issue relates to improper access control (CWE-284), enabling privilege escalation where a user with limited privileges (PR:L) can install applications without explicit authorization or user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device or system running the vulnerable software. The vulnerability impacts the integrity of the system by allowing unauthorized application installation, potentially leading to malicious code execution or persistence mechanisms. However, confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing the risk of silent exploitation once local access is obtained. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The CVSS score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity level, considering the ease of exploitation with low attack complexity and the potential for significant integrity impact.

For European organizations using Zebra Enterprise Home Screen 4.1.19, particularly in industries relying on Zebra devices such as logistics, retail, and manufacturing, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized application installation on critical devices. Such unauthorized apps could be malicious, leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access to internal systems, or disruption of operational workflows. Since Zebra devices are often used in supply chain management and inventory control, exploitation could compromise operational integrity and lead to financial losses or reputational damage. The local attack vector implies that attackers need physical or local network access, which may limit remote exploitation but raises concerns about insider threats or compromised local networks. The absence of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy attacks. European organizations with stringent regulatory requirements for device security and data integrity (e.g., GDPR compliance) must consider the implications of unauthorized software installations on endpoint devices.

1. Restrict physical and local network access to Zebra devices by enforcing strict access controls and network segmentation to minimize the risk of local exploitation. 2. Monitor and audit installed applications on Zebra devices regularly to detect unauthorized APK installations promptly. 3. Implement application whitelisting or use mobile device management (MDM) solutions that can enforce policies restricting installation of unauthorized applications on Zebra devices. 4. Disable or restrict the use of the embedded Google Chrome application within Zebra Enterprise Home Screen if possible, or configure it to prevent APK downloads and installations. 5. Educate staff and administrators about the risks of local access exploitation and enforce strong authentication and authorization mechanisms for device access. 6. Stay updated with Zebra's security advisories and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 7. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting suspicious application installations or behaviors on Zebra devices.