CVE-2025-26425
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permission squatting vulnerability in Android's RoleService that allows local privilege escalation on affected versions. It affects Android devices where the MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPLICATIONS permission wasn't properly defined, enabling attackers to gain elevated privileges without user interaction. The vulnerability is specific to certain Android versions and configurations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local access could gain elevated system privileges, potentially compromising the entire device, accessing sensitive data, or installing persistent malware.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing unauthorized access to protected system functions and user data that would normally require higher permissions.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if devices are patched or running unaffected Android versions where the permission is properly defined.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the device. No user interaction needed once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Bulletin May 2025 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-05-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Apply the May 2025 Android security update. 2. Ensure device is updated to the latest available security patch level. 3. Verify the patch is applied by checking Android security patch level in Settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to devices through security policies and device management
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict device access controls and monitoring
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before May 2025, device may be vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows May 2025 or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission elevation attempts in system logs
- Suspicious RoleService activity
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Look for abnormal permission escalation events in Android system logs