CVE-2025-48639 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In DefaultTransitionHandler.java, there is a possible way to unknowingly grant permissions to an app due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. 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-2025-48639 resides within the DefaultTransitionHandler.java component, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized permission granting through overlay attack techniques. This issue manifests as a tapjacking vulnerability that allows malicious applications to deceive users into granting permissions without their conscious awareness. The flaw operates by exploiting the trust relationship between the user interface and underlying system components, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that requires no additional execution privileges beyond initial user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the transition handling process that governs how applications interact with system resources. When a user interacts with an application interface, the DefaultTransitionHandler fails to properly verify the authenticity of the touch events, allowing overlay elements to intercept and manipulate user inputs. This creates a scenario where legitimate application transitions can be hijacked by malicious overlays that appear to be part of the normal user interface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which addresses the improper handling of untrusted input during transition operations, and specifically relates to the broader category of overlay attacks that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1056.001 for Input Capture through credential theft and UI redressing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission manipulation to enable full local privilege escalation within the system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges that allow them to access sensitive system resources, modify critical application data, or potentially compromise other system components. The requirement for user interaction means that exploitation cannot occur automatically, but once a user unknowingly interacts with a malicious overlay, the system grants permissions that would normally require explicit user consent. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be weaponized through social engineering techniques that trick users into performing seemingly benign actions that result in significant security compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48639 should focus on implementing robust input validation and overlay detection mechanisms within the DefaultTransitionHandler component. Security measures must include enhanced verification of touch event origins and implementation of anti-overlay protection protocols that can detect and prevent malicious interface manipulation. Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems to versions that address this vulnerability through proper input validation and transition handling procedures. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing permission requests and being vigilant about unusual interface behavior that might indicate overlay attacks. The fix should incorporate principles from the OWASP Mobile Top 10 security guidelines, particularly those addressing insecure interaction patterns and improper input handling that can lead to privilege escalation attacks.