CVE-2025-48620 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In onSomePackagesChanged of VoiceInteractionManagerService.java, there is a possible way for a third party application's component name to persist even after uninstalling 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 • 12/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48620 resides within the VoiceInteractionManagerService.java component of an Android system, specifically in the onSomePackagesChanged method where a critical logic error permits persistent component names of third-party applications to remain accessible even after their uninstallation. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that directly impacts the system's integrity and privilege management mechanisms. The issue stems from inadequate cleanup procedures within the voice interaction service that fails to properly remove references to uninstalled applications, creating a persistent vector for potential exploitation.
This vulnerability manifests as a local privilege escalation risk classified under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, where the persistent component names can be leveraged to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the system level within the Android framework's voice interaction service, which manages voice-based user interactions and application launching. When third-party applications are uninstalled, their associated component names should be completely purged from the system's active component registry, but the current implementation fails to perform this cleanup correctly, leaving behind references that can be exploited. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically without any user involvement, potentially allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for the Android ecosystem. Attackers can exploit this weakness to maintain persistent access to system resources, potentially enabling them to manipulate voice interaction services, access sensitive data, or execute unauthorized operations with system-level privileges. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the Android operating system by undermining the expected behavior of application lifecycle management. This issue particularly impacts devices where voice interaction services are actively used, as the persistent component references create ongoing attack surfaces that can be exploited by malicious applications or compromised legitimate applications that have been granted voice interaction permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48620 should focus on implementing proper component cleanup procedures within the VoiceInteractionManagerService to ensure complete removal of uninstalled application references. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized voice interaction service modifications and implement strict application permission controls. The fix should involve comprehensive auditing of the onSomePackagesChanged method to ensure all component references are properly cleared during package removal operations. Additionally, security frameworks should be enhanced to detect and prevent unauthorized persistence mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1546.007 for persistence through voice interaction services. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security assessments of voice interaction services and maintaining up-to-date system patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation process must ensure that all component name references are properly invalidated during package uninstallation events, preventing the exploitation vector while maintaining legitimate voice interaction functionality.