External risk intelligence

Android Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-48572

A permissions bypass in the Android operating system framework allows for local privilege escalation without user interaction. This impacts organizations using affected Android devices by enabling attackers to gain elevated control and access. The realistic business risk involves unauthorized system access and potentia

1Halo Surface Signal

Missing Authentication

Google Android

13.014.015.016.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-48572

The vulnerability affects the Android operating system framework and requires local execution to trigger a permissions bypass, which is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A security vulnerability exists within the Android operating system framework. This flaw allows for unauthorized elevation of privileges without requiring additional execution permissions. Exploitation does not necessitate user interaction.

  • Vulnerable component: Android operating system framework
  • Core weakness: Permissions bypass allows activity launch
  • Main business impact: Local privilege escalation

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability permits an attacker to elevate their privileges on a device by bypassing permission checks. Exploitation can occur without requiring any interaction from the user. The attack leverages a flaw in how activities can be launched from the background, leading to unauthorized access and control.

  • Local execution is required.
  • Attacker gains elevated privileges.
  • Bypass permissions for control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for local privilege escalation on affected Android devices. An attacker with limited access could exploit this by bypassing permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system control. User interaction is not required, increasing the risk of exploitation.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Local access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for privilege escalation on affected Android devices without user interaction. An attacker could exploit this by launching activities from the background, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the device. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating this risk to protect their data and systems.

  • Find affected Android assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Android operating system framework?

The Android operating system framework is a core part of the Android platform that provides essential services and functionalities for applications. It includes components like activity management, resource handling, and permission control, enabling apps to interact with the device and other system services. This vulnerability is located within this framework.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2025-48572 represent?

CVE-2025-48572 is a permissions bypass vulnerability (CWE-306). This means that the software incorrectly allows an action to occur because it fails to properly check if the requesting entity has the necessary permissions. In this case, it allows activities to be launched from the background, leading to privilege escalation.

What conditions are needed to exploit this Android vulnerability?

Exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction. However, an attacker must have local access to the affected device to trigger the weakness. Successfully triggering the bug does not require the attacker to have any special execution privileges beyond the initial local access.

Who should be concerned about this Android vulnerability based on its access?

This vulnerability is considered internal, meaning it requires local access to the device to be exploited. Therefore, individuals and organizations running Android devices, particularly those where local access might be a concern, should pay attention. It does not present a direct risk from the public internet.

What is the first step for managing this Android security issue?

The initial step for managing this vulnerability is to identify all affected Android assets within your environment. Once identified, you should isolate any risky assets and apply the vendor-provided fix as soon as possible to mitigate the potential for privilege escalation.

References