CVE-2025-8513 is a vulnerability identified in version 8.0.1 of the Caixin News App on Android. The issue arises from improper exportation of Android application components, specifically due to misconfiguration in the AndroidManifest.xml file within the component com.caixin.news. This misconfiguration allows certain app components to be exported unintentionally, which can be accessed by other local applications or processes on the device. The vulnerability requires local access with limited privileges (PR:L) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The exploitability is considered low complexity (AC:L), and no authentication is needed beyond local access. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a limited scope (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L), meaning that the attacker could potentially access or manipulate data or functionality within the app or device but only within a constrained environment. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8, categorizing it as a medium severity issue. The vendor was notified but did not respond or provide a patch, and no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. The vulnerability is publicly disclosed, which increases the risk of exploitation by local attackers or malicious apps already installed on the device. Improperly exported components can lead to privilege escalation, data leakage, or unauthorized operations within the app context if exploited. Since the attack requires local access, the threat vector is limited to scenarios where an attacker has some foothold on the device, such as through malicious apps or physical access.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the usage of the Caixin News App within their user base or workforce. While the app is a news application primarily targeting Chinese-speaking users, organizations with employees or stakeholders who use this app on Android devices could face risks of local privilege escalation or data leakage. The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious local apps or insiders to access sensitive information or interfere with app operations. Although the severity is medium and requires local access, it poses a risk in environments where device security is lax or where employees install untrusted applications. In sectors such as media, journalism, or organizations with Chinese market ties, the risk could be higher. Additionally, if devices are shared or used in sensitive contexts, this vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass app-level security controls. However, the overall impact on European organizations is limited by the app’s regional popularity and the local access requirement.

1. Remove or restrict exported components in the AndroidManifest.xml to only those necessary for app functionality, ensuring that sensitive components are not exported unintentionally. 2. Implement explicit permission requirements for exported components to prevent unauthorized access by other local apps. 3. Encourage users to avoid installing untrusted or unnecessary applications that could exploit local vulnerabilities. 4. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce app installation policies and restrict sideloading of unknown apps. 5. Monitor devices for suspicious local app behavior or privilege escalations. 6. Since the vendor has not provided a patch, organizations should consider blocking or restricting the use of the vulnerable app version internally until a fix is available. 7. Educate users on the risks of local vulnerabilities and the importance of device hygiene, including regular updates and cautious app installation. 8. For developers or security teams, conduct regular audits of AndroidManifest.xml files to detect improper exports and apply secure coding practices.