CVE-2025-48541 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
In onCreate of FaceSettings.java, there is a possible way to remove biometric unlock across user profiles due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48541 resides within the FaceSettings.java component of an Android-based system, specifically in the onCreate method where insufficient input validation creates a critical security flaw. This issue represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially disable biometric unlock mechanisms across multiple user profiles without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of input parameters that control biometric authentication settings, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the system's security configuration.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses in input validation that can lead to various security issues including privilege escalation. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the onCreate method fails to properly validate user inputs or system parameters that govern biometric authentication settings, allowing unauthorized modification of security configurations. The absence of proper validation mechanisms means that malicious inputs can bypass normal security checks and directly modify the biometric unlock functionality across all user profiles within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. An attacker who gains local access to the system can exploit this flaw to remove biometric unlock capabilities for all user profiles, effectively compromising the security posture of the entire device. This vulnerability affects the fundamental authentication mechanisms that protect user data and system integrity, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and system resources that would normally be protected by biometric authentication.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, potentially allowing for automated attacks or exploitation during system maintenance windows. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the Android security model's handling of cross-profile security settings and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security-sensitive code paths.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation within the FaceSettings.java component, particularly in the onCreate method where the vulnerability manifests. Developers should ensure that all inputs controlling biometric authentication settings undergo strict validation before being processed, including checking for proper parameter types, ranges, and access control permissions. The system should enforce proper access controls that prevent unauthorized modification of biometric settings across different user profiles, implementing mandatory access controls that restrict modification privileges to authorized users only. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues in other components of the system, and the implementation should follow secure coding practices as recommended by the OWASP Secure Coding Practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future releases.