CVE-2022-20419: Launcher puts IApplicationThread inside ActivityOptions and it may be sent to launched app

platform/frameworks/base Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

01/10/2022

Disclosed on

CVE-2022-20419

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Critical

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2022-20419: In setOptions of ActivityRecord.java, there is a possible load any arbitrary Java code into launcher process due to a logic error in the code. Affects platform/frameworks/base across 2 version ranges.

>= 12L:0, < 12L:2022-10-01 >= 13:0, < 13:2022-10-01

Fixed in 12L:2022-10-01. How to fix ↓

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Background

The package under scrutiny is platform/frameworks/base in the Android ecosystem. This package is responsible for providing the fundamental building blocks and essential functionalities for the Android operating system. It includes various components such as activities, services, content providers, and broadcast receivers. The vulnerability affects versions 12L and 13 of the package. The package is susceptible to a logic error in the code that allows the launcher to load arbitrary Java code into its process. This vulnerability can lead to a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges. Exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises in the setOptions function of the ActivityRecord.java file. Due to a logic error, the launcher process can load any arbitrary Java code. This code can be sent to the launched app, resulting in a local escalation of privilege. The impact of this vulnerability is critical as it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the launcher process, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or performing malicious actions. The vulnerability was introduced in version 12L and has been fixed in version 13, with the fix being released on October 1, 2022.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

12L:2022-10-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the platform/frameworks/base package in the Android ecosystem is vulnerable to a logic error that allows the launcher to load arbitrary Java code into its process. This can result in a local escalation of privilege. It is crucial to update to version 13 or later of the package to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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