CVE-2025-21005 in isemtelephony
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
Improper access control in isemtelephony prior to Android 15 allows local attackers to access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21005 represents a critical access control flaw within the isemtelephony component of Android systems prior to version 15. This issue stems from inadequate authorization mechanisms that permit local attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The affected component is part of the telephony subsystem responsible for managing communication services and handling sensitive user data. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of access permissions and insufficient sandboxing controls that should normally isolate different application components and system services. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially access confidential telephony data, call logs, contact information, and other personally identifiable information stored within the telephony framework. The flaw exists at the system level rather than being confined to a specific application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to compromise core communication functionalities.
The technical implementation of this access control bypass occurs through manipulation of system calls or direct interface interactions with the isemtelephony service. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging local privileges to execute malicious code that circumvents the normal permission checking mechanisms. The flaw likely involves improper handling of inter-process communication channels or insufficient validation of caller credentials when accessing telephony-related APIs. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The attack vector typically involves a local malicious application or service that has already gained some level of system access, such as through a compromised app or root access. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation pattern where an attacker with minimal initial access can elevate their privileges to access restricted system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-21005 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, communication interception, and potential system compromise. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive user communications, track user behavior patterns, and potentially use the stolen information for identity theft or targeted attacks. The affected scope includes all Android devices running versions prior to Android 15, representing a substantial user base that remains vulnerable to this class of attack. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where telephony data may contain sensitive business information or personal data subject to privacy regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA. The impact is amplified when considering that telephony services often integrate with other system components, potentially allowing attackers to chain this vulnerability with others to achieve broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-21005 primarily focus on updating to Android 15 or applying the relevant security patches provided by Google. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected devices receive timely updates. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts to telephony services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control design principles and demonstrates the need for regular security assessments of system components. Security teams should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation. Additionally, developers should follow secure coding practices that emphasize proper input validation and access control implementation. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that security patches do not introduce regressions in telephony functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral analytics to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials usage for persistence and privilege escalation.