CVE-2025-22420 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to leak audio files across user profiles due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical confused deputy problem that exists across multiple system components, allowing unauthorized access to audio files across different user profiles. The flaw stems from improper privilege handling where a system process or service incorrectly interprets or forwards requests between user contexts, creating an unexpected information disclosure channel. The vulnerability specifically affects audio file handling mechanisms where access controls are bypassed due to the confused deputy scenario, enabling one user to access another user's audio files without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the confused deputy model where a privileged component acts on behalf of an unprivileged user but fails to properly validate or enforce access controls. This creates a path where audio file metadata, content, or references can be accessed across user boundaries. The flaw operates at the system level where file access permissions are not properly enforced during cross-user audio file operations, potentially affecting audio processing services, media libraries, or file management systems that handle user audio content. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically by system processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential local privilege escalation capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain elevated system privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, effectively allowing them to move laterally within the system. The implications are severe as audio files often contain sensitive information, personal recordings, or confidential communications that could be accessed by unauthorized users. This vulnerability affects system integrity and confidentiality, potentially enabling attackers to access personal communications, business-sensitive audio content, or other protected audio data across different user profiles.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access control validation at all system interfaces where audio files are processed or accessed across user boundaries. The fix requires strengthening the confused deputy protection mechanisms by ensuring that all cross-user operations properly validate the requesting user context and enforce appropriate access controls. Organizations should implement mandatory access controls, regular privilege validation checks, and ensure proper separation of user contexts during audio file processing operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and access control issues, and represents a potential attack vector under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques where adversaries exploit system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges without additional user interaction or execution privileges.