CVE-2025-22431
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious Android app to block emergency calls (911/112) under specific conditions due to a logic error. It affects Android devices running vulnerable versions and requires no user interaction or special permissions to exploit. The impact is a local denial of service for emergency dialing until the device is rebooted.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Emergency services cannot be reached from the affected device during a critical situation, potentially delaying life-saving assistance.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could silently prevent emergency calls, creating safety risks for users who rely on their devices for emergencies.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; without patching, the risk persists but requires a malicious app to be installed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed; no user interaction needed once installed. Logic error in code allows blocking emergency dialing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Android Security Bulletin for April 2025 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-04-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Apply the latest security patch from April 2025 or later. 3. No reboot is required after patching based on the description.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
AndroidPrevent installation of untrusted apps by enabling Google Play Protect and disabling unknown sources.
Settings > Security > Google Play Protect (enable)
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps (disable for all apps)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor for suspicious apps and uninstall any untrusted applications.
- Reboot the device if emergency dialing is blocked to temporarily restore functionality.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Ensure the security patch level is April 2025 or later; test emergency dialing (e.g., dial 911 in a safe test environment if allowed).📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Log entries showing failed emergency call attempts or app interference with phone services
Network Indicators:
- None (exploitation is local)
SIEM Query:
Search for events related to emergency call failures or malicious app installations on Android devices.