CVE-2025-48628 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In validateIconUserBoundary of PrintManagerService.java, there is a possible cross-user image leak due to a confused deputy. 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-2025-48628 resides within the print management subsystem of Android operating systems, specifically in the validateIconUserBoundary method of the PrintManagerService.java component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized access to user-specific data through a confused deputy attack pattern. The vulnerability affects the core print service functionality that manages printer interactions and user interface elements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit cross-user data boundaries. The issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that fail to properly enforce user isolation when processing print job icons and associated metadata, allowing one user's graphical elements to be accessed by another user within the same system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic confused deputy problem where the PrintManagerService incorrectly handles user context validation during icon processing operations. When a print job is submitted, the system should maintain strict separation between user-specific icon data and system-level operations, but the validateIconUserBoundary method fails to properly authenticate or authorize access to icon resources based on user identity. This confusion allows an attacker to manipulate the service into accessing or displaying icon data that belongs to different user accounts. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the print manager service, leveraging the inherent trust relationships between system components to bypass normal access controls. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the validation of user boundaries and access control mechanisms, specifically CWE-284 for improper access control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to execute malicious code with elevated system privileges. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged automatically by malicious applications or system processes that have basic access to the print service functionality. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker who gains access to a low-privilege account can potentially elevate their privileges to system level, enabling full control over device resources and access to all user data. This vulnerability particularly affects multi-user environments where multiple accounts share the same device, creating a significant risk for enterprise and personal devices alike. The exploitation process involves manipulating the print service to access icon resources from other user accounts, potentially exposing sensitive information contained within these graphical elements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48628 should focus on implementing robust access control validation and user boundary enforcement within the print management service. System administrators should ensure that all print-related services maintain strict user isolation through proper authentication and authorization checks before processing any user-specific data. The recommended approach includes strengthening the validateIconUserBoundary method to properly verify user context and reject any requests that attempt to access resources outside the requesting user's scope. Security patches should enforce mandatory access controls and implement proper input validation for all print job icon processing operations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to print service resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1059 for execution through system services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening measures and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation.