CVE-2025-26443
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's ManagedProvisioning component allows attackers to bypass the 'Install from unknown sources' restriction through a logic error in HTML parsing. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional permissions, though user interaction is needed. Android devices running vulnerable versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android ManagedProvisioning component
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could install malicious apps without user consent, leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could be sideloaded through phishing or social engineering, potentially stealing sensitive data or enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper security settings and user awareness, exploitation would require convincing the user to interact with malicious content.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction and knowledge of the vulnerability to craft malicious HTML content.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level June 2025 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Apply the June 2025 Android security patch. 3. Restart the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unknown sources installation
androidPrevent installation from unknown sources globally
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
Enable Google Play Protect
androidUse built-in malware scanning for app installations
Settings > Security > Google Play Protect > Scan device for security threats
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user installation of apps through mobile device management (MDM) policies
- Educate users about phishing risks and not interacting with suspicious HTML content
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android Security Patch Level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before June 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Security Patch Level shows 'June 5, 2025' or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected app installations via ManagedProvisioning
- HTML parsing errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual app download patterns from non-Play Store sources
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND (event="app_install" AND source!="play_store")