CVE-2025-48594 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In onUidImportance of DisassociationProcessor.java, there is a possible way to retain companion application privileges after disassociation due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48594 resides within the DisassociationProcessor.java component of a system that manages application privileges and user associations. This flaw specifically manifests in the onUidImportance method where insufficient input validation permits malicious actors to maintain elevated privileges even after a disassociation process has been initiated. The issue represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement within the system architecture.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user identifiers and importance levels during the disassociation process. When a companion application undergoes disassociation, the system should revoke all associated privileges and terminate the application's elevated access rights. However, the flawed input validation allows for manipulated or forged input parameters that bypass these security checks. This weakness creates a persistent privilege retention mechanism that operates outside the normal security boundaries, effectively enabling unauthorized access to resources and capabilities that should be restricted to legitimate users.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-48594 extends beyond simple privilege retention, creating potential pathways for local privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire system. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can maintain elevated privileges without requiring additional execution privileges, meaning they can operate within the system at a higher security level than originally intended. The requirement for user interaction suggests that initial compromise might occur through social engineering or phishing techniques, but once the initial foothold is established, the attacker can leverage this vulnerability to maintain persistent access and escalate privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a significant deviation from standard security practices that should prevent privilege retention after disassociation events.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Specifically, this flaw enables techniques such as "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and "Valid Accounts" where an attacker maintains access to elevated privileges through manipulation of system processes. The vulnerability's location within a disassociation processor indicates that it affects the system's ability to properly manage user sessions and application lifecycles, creating a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48594 must focus on strengthening input validation mechanisms within the DisassociationProcessor.java component. Implementing comprehensive parameter validation, including bounds checking and type verification, can prevent malformed inputs from bypassing security controls. Additionally, enforcing proper privilege revocation procedures during disassociation events, combined with audit logging of all disassociation activities, can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The system should also implement mandatory access controls that prevent privilege retention regardless of input validation failures, ensuring that disassociation processes cannot be circumvented through input manipulation. These measures align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks, which emphasize the importance of robust access control and input validation in maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized privilege escalation.