CVE-2025-26450 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system specifically affecting versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists in the onInputEvent method of the IInputMethodSessionWrapper.java component, which is responsible for handling input events directed at the default Input Method Editor (IME). Due to a missing permission check, an untrusted application installed on the device can inject key and motion events into the IME. This injection capability allows the malicious app to perform actions or input commands as if they originated from legitimate user input or trusted sources. Since the vulnerability does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction, it can be exploited locally by any app with minimal permissions, leading to an elevation of privilege. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the system fails to properly verify permissions before allowing sensitive operations. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the ease of exploitation and potential for privilege escalation on widely used Android versions.

This vulnerability allows a local untrusted app to escalate privileges by injecting input events into the default IME, potentially enabling unauthorized actions such as executing commands, manipulating user input, or bypassing security controls. The impact spans confidentiality (unauthorized data access or input interception), integrity (unauthorized modification of input or system state), and availability (potential disruption of input services). Organizations relying on Android devices for sensitive communications, authentication, or operational control could face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access, and compromised device integrity. The lack of required user interaction increases the likelihood of silent exploitation. Although no known exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime target for attackers aiming to gain elevated privileges on Android devices, especially in environments where app vetting is less stringent or devices are used in high-security contexts.

1. Monitor official Google Android security bulletins and apply patches promptly once available for affected Android versions 13, 14, and 15. 2. Enforce strict app installation policies, limiting installation to trusted sources such as Google Play Store with verified developer credentials. 3. Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to restrict app permissions, especially those related to input injection or accessibility services. 4. Implement runtime monitoring and anomaly detection for unusual input event patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of keeping devices updated. 6. For high-security environments, consider disabling or restricting the use of third-party IMEs or input method services where feasible. 7. Employ application sandboxing and privilege separation to minimize the impact of compromised apps. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on input handling and privilege escalation vectors on Android devices.