CVE-2025-48563 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
In onNullBinding of RemoteFillService.java, there is a possible background activity launch due to an insecure default value. 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-2025-48563 resides within the RemoteFillService.java component of an Android application, specifically in the onNullBinding method where a background activity launch occurs due to an insecure default value configuration. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications may be subject to malicious manipulation or where default configurations are not properly secured.
The technical implementation flaw stems from how the RemoteFillService handles null binding scenarios, where the system defaults to launching background activities without proper validation of the binding context or security parameters. This insecure default value creates a pathway for unauthorized code execution within the application's context, potentially allowing malicious actors to escalate their privileges from a standard user level to a higher privilege level within the system. The vulnerability operates at the system level rather than requiring user interaction, which significantly increases its exploitability and potential impact.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to system integrity and data security, as it enables local privilege escalation without additional attack vectors or user involvement. The lack of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur automatically when the vulnerable service is triggered, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects the application's security model by undermining the principle of least privilege and creating opportunities for unauthorized system access.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and secure default configurations within the RemoteFillService implementation. Developers must ensure that background activity launches are properly authenticated and authorized before execution, eliminating the insecure default behavior that enables privilege escalation. The fix should involve modifying the onNullBinding method to validate binding contexts and prevent unauthorized background activity initiation, aligning with security best practices for Android application development.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in access control mechanisms within the Android framework, where default configurations fail to provide adequate security boundaries. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implementing comprehensive security reviews of similar service implementations to prevent analogous issues in other components of their application ecosystems. The security implications extend beyond individual applications to potentially affect entire system security postures, particularly in environments where multiple applications may be subject to similar insecure default configurations.