CVE-2025-22441: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
In getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths of RemoteViews.java, there is a possible way to load arbitrary java code in a privileged context due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-22441 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability found in the Android operating system versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists in the method getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths within the RemoteViews.java component. This vulnerability arises due to a confused deputy problem, where the system mistakenly allows untrusted code to execute in a privileged context. Specifically, it enables an attacker to load arbitrary Java code with elevated privileges without requiring any prior elevated execution rights. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the attacker must trick the user into performing some action that triggers the vulnerability. The vulnerability allows an attacker who already has limited code execution capabilities on the device to escalate their privileges locally, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources or performing unauthorized actions. No known public exploits have been reported yet, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been published at the time of this analysis.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Android devices for sensitive communications and operations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass Android's security model, leading to unauthorized access to confidential data, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of device functionality. Since user interaction is required, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the risk in environments where users are less security-aware. The impact is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration where data confidentiality and device integrity are paramount. Additionally, compromised devices could serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks, amplifying the threat landscape for European organizations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond generic advice. First, enforce strict user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing and social engineering attempts that could lead to triggering this vulnerability. Second, restrict installation of applications to trusted sources only, leveraging Android Enterprise features such as managed Google Play and app whitelisting. Third, deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app behavior and permissions, and to enforce timely OS updates once patches become available. Fourth, consider isolating high-risk users or devices with elevated privileges through network segmentation and least privilege principles. Finally, maintain close monitoring of device logs and behavior for signs of privilege escalation attempts. Since no patch is currently available, these proactive controls are essential to reduce exposure.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, Ireland
CVE-2025-22441: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
Description
In getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths of RemoteViews.java, there is a possible way to load arbitrary java code in a privileged context due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-22441 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability found in the Android operating system versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists in the method getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths within the RemoteViews.java component. This vulnerability arises due to a confused deputy problem, where the system mistakenly allows untrusted code to execute in a privileged context. Specifically, it enables an attacker to load arbitrary Java code with elevated privileges without requiring any prior elevated execution rights. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the attacker must trick the user into performing some action that triggers the vulnerability. The vulnerability allows an attacker who already has limited code execution capabilities on the device to escalate their privileges locally, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources or performing unauthorized actions. No known public exploits have been reported yet, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been published at the time of this analysis.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Android devices for sensitive communications and operations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass Android's security model, leading to unauthorized access to confidential data, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of device functionality. Since user interaction is required, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the risk in environments where users are less security-aware. The impact is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration where data confidentiality and device integrity are paramount. Additionally, compromised devices could serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks, amplifying the threat landscape for European organizations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond generic advice. First, enforce strict user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing and social engineering attempts that could lead to triggering this vulnerability. Second, restrict installation of applications to trusted sources only, leveraging Android Enterprise features such as managed Google Play and app whitelisting. Third, deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app behavior and permissions, and to enforce timely OS updates once patches become available. Fourth, consider isolating high-risk users or devices with elevated privileges through network segmentation and least privilege principles. Finally, maintain close monitoring of device logs and behavior for signs of privilege escalation attempts. Since no patch is currently available, these proactive controls are essential to reduce exposure.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- google_android
- Date Reserved
- 2025-01-06T17:45:12.774Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68b9dcc788499799243c3019
Added to database: 9/4/2025, 6:39:03 PM
Last enriched: 9/4/2025, 6:54:18 PM
Last updated: 9/4/2025, 9:18:25 PM
Views: 4
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CriticalActions
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