CVE-2025-12080 in WearOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2025
On Wear OS devices, when Google Messages is configured as the default SMS/MMS/RCS application, the handling of ACTION_SENDTO intents utilizing the sms:, smsto:, mms:, and mmsto: Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) schemes is incorrectly implemented.
Due to this misconfiguration, an attacker capable of invoking an Android intent can exploit this vulnerability to send messages on the user’s behalf to arbitrary receivers without requiring any further user interaction or specific permissions. This allows for the silent and unauthorized transmission of messages from a compromised Wear OS device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
This vulnerability exists within the Wear OS messaging framework where Google Messages serves as the default application for handling SMS/MMS/RCS communications. The flaw specifically manifests in the improper implementation of Android intent handling mechanisms when processing ACTION_SENDTO intents that utilize URI schemes including sms:, smsto:, mms:, and mmsto:. These URI schemes are standard Android components designed to facilitate message composition and transmission through various applications. The vulnerability represents a critical authorization bypass issue that fundamentally undermines the security model of the Wear OS messaging system.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of incoming intent parameters when the system processes these specific URI schemes. When an attacker successfully triggers an Android intent with one of these URI schemes, the system fails to properly verify the originating application's legitimacy or the intended recipient's address. This misconfiguration creates an attack vector where malicious applications or compromised processes can programmatically construct and execute intents that bypass normal user consent mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level within the Android Intent framework, specifically targeting the message routing and dispatch mechanisms that should normally require explicit user confirmation or appropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized message transmission without any user interaction or additional permissions. This capability allows for the silent execution of messaging attacks that can be used for various malicious purposes including spamming, social engineering campaigns, or exfiltrating information through message-based channels. The attack can be executed automatically from compromised applications or through malicious code that leverages the Android Intent system, making it particularly dangerous on wearable devices where users may not regularly monitor message activities or have immediate access to device controls. The vulnerability essentially transforms any application with intent invocation capabilities into a potential vector for unauthorized messaging, creating a persistent threat vector on the device.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper intent validation and user consent mechanisms within the Wear OS messaging framework. System administrators and security teams should ensure that all applications handling these URI schemes undergo strict security review and that proper permission models are enforced. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) and represents a significant deviation from the principle of least privilege in Android security architecture. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unauthorized intent usage patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when used in conjunction with other attack vectors, as it enables unauthorized communication that can be leveraged for broader attack chains. Device manufacturers should prioritize urgent patch deployment and implement additional runtime protections to prevent unauthorized intent execution while maintaining legitimate messaging functionality.