CVE-2025-48558 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
In multiple functions of BatteryService.java, there is a possible way to hijack implicit intent intended for system app due to Implicit intent hijacking. 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 • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48558 resides within the BatteryService.java component of an Android system, specifically affecting multiple functions that handle implicit intent processing. This represents a critical security flaw that allows for privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where system integrity is paramount. The issue stems from improper handling of implicit intents that are intended for system applications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to intercept and redirect these communications.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation and handling of implicit intents within the battery service functionality, which operates at a system level where it should maintain strict control over inter-process communication. When system applications send implicit intents through the battery service, the vulnerable code fails to properly verify the intent source or destination, allowing for potential interception by malicious applications that can impersonate legitimate system components. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-707, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a different context, specifically within the realm of intent handling and inter-application communication. The flaw operates at the system service level where it should enforce strict security boundaries between different application contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a persistent backdoor mechanism that can be exploited by malicious applications to gain elevated privileges without user interaction. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with system-level permissions, potentially compromising the entire device. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited silently in the background, allowing for continuous unauthorized access to system resources, sensitive data, and device functionality. This represents a significant threat to device security and privacy, as it undermines the fundamental security model of Android systems where system services should maintain strict isolation from regular applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48558 should focus on implementing proper intent verification mechanisms and strengthening the security boundaries within system services. Organizations should apply immediate patches from their device manufacturers and ensure that all system services properly validate intent sources and destinations before processing implicit intents. The implementation of intent filtering and verification mechanisms should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized applications from intercepting system-level communications. Additionally, security monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous intent handling patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses the use of privileges to escalate access and execute malicious code, highlighting the need for comprehensive system-level security controls. The fix should involve strengthening the intent resolution process to ensure that only authorized system components can receive and process sensitive implicit intents, thereby preventing unauthorized privilege escalation and maintaining the integrity of the Android security model.