CVE-2025-48602 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2026
In exitKeyguardAndFinishSurfaceBehindRemoteAnimation of KeyguardViewMediator.java, there is a possible lockscreen bypass due to a logic error in the code. 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 • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48602 resides within the Android operating system's keyguard implementation, specifically in the exitKeyguardAndFinishSurfaceBehindRemoteAnimation method of the KeyguardViewMediator.java file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for unauthorized access to locked devices without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability stems from a logic error in the code that governs how the system handles the transition between the lockscreen state and the underlying application surfaces during remote animations. When the system attempts to exit the keyguard and finish the surface animation behind it, the flawed logic fails to properly validate authentication states, creating a window where malicious actors can bypass the lockscreen protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of authentication context within the keyguard mediation layer. The method in question is responsible for managing the visual transition when the keyguard should be dismissed and the underlying application surfaces should become active. However, the logic error means that the system does not adequately verify whether the user has properly authenticated before allowing the surface transition to complete. This creates a race condition or state validation failure where the lockscreen dismissal occurs even when authentication has not been properly established or validated. The flaw operates at a fundamental level of the Android security model, specifically affecting how the system maintains the security boundary between the lockscreen and the application layer. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the system's mandatory access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses a complete bypass of device security mechanisms. An attacker with local access to an Android device can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the device's contents without requiring the correct PIN, pattern, password, or biometric authentication. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently and automatically. This local escalation of privilege allows for complete device compromise, potentially enabling access to sensitive data, applications, and system resources that should otherwise be protected by the lockscreen. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration, malware installation, and further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities that may be present on the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48602 should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android device manufacturers and service providers must prioritize the release of security updates that correct the logic error in the KeyguardViewMediator.java file, addressing the specific flaw in the exitKeyguardAndFinishSurfaceBehindRemoteAnimation method. System administrators and users should ensure that all Android devices receive the relevant security patches as soon as they become available, as this vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper monitoring for unauthorized device access attempts and ensuring that devices are configured with strong authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 for abuse of elevation privileges, highlighting the critical nature of this flaw in the context of mobile security. Organizations should also consider implementing device encryption and additional security controls that can provide defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts.