CVE-2025-26427
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path traversal vulnerability in Android that allows unauthorized access to Android/data directories. Attackers could potentially escalate local privileges without needing additional execution permissions, though user interaction is required for exploitation. This affects Android devices running vulnerable versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attacker gains unauthorized access to sensitive app data, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or further system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious app exploits the vulnerability to access other apps' data directories, potentially stealing sensitive information or credentials.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact is limited to data leakage within the compromised app's context.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction and local access. Path traversal vulnerability in multiple locations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Update May 2025 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-05-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Apply Android Security Update from May 2025 or later. 2. Update affected Android devices through standard OTA update process. 3. Verify update installation in device settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app permissions
allLimit app permissions to minimum required, reducing potential attack surface
Disable unknown sources
allPrevent installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce risk of malicious apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting process for all installed applications
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android Security Patch Level in Settings > About Phone > Android Version. If patch level is 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 device settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in Android/data directories
- Multiple failed path traversal attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for local Android vulnerability