CVE-2025-48621 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In DefaultTransitionHandler.java, there is a possible way to enable a tapjacking attack due to a insecure default. 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-2025-48621 resides within the DefaultTransitionHandler.java component where an insecure default configuration creates a pathway for tapjacking attacks. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to exploit user interaction requirements for privilege escalation without needing additional execution privileges. The insecure default specifically relates to how transition handlers manage user interface interactions, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate touch events and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Tapjacking attacks exploit the fundamental trust users place in graphical interfaces by overlaying malicious content over legitimate applications. The vulnerability manifests when default transition handlers fail to properly validate or sanitize touch input sequences, allowing attackers to craft deceptive user interfaces that capture touch events intended for legitimate applications. This attack vector operates through the manipulation of event handling mechanisms that govern how user interactions are processed and routed within the application framework, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages the inherent trust relationships between user interface elements and system processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise and system integrity violations. When exploited successfully, the tapjacking attack can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive system resources, modify critical configurations, or exfiltrate confidential information. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be delivered through social engineering campaigns or by exploiting user trust in familiar applications, making detection and prevention more challenging.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient protection against tapjacking attacks, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through insecure default configurations. The insecure default nature of this flaw means that organizations may not immediately recognize the risk, as the vulnerability only becomes apparent when specific conditions are met through user interaction. Security professionals should consider implementing comprehensive input validation controls, user interface interaction monitoring, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate such configuration weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within transition handlers, ensuring proper event sequence verification, and establishing secure default configurations that prevent unauthorized manipulation of user interface interactions. Organizations should also conduct regular security testing to identify insecure default configurations and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous user interface interaction patterns. The remediation process should include code review of transition handler implementations, security hardening of default configurations, and user education regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted applications or interfaces. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can help minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.