CVE-2025-0089 Overview
CVE-2025-0089 is a logic error vulnerability in the Android platform that allows a local attacker to hijack the Launcher application. The flaw exists in multiple locations within the Android frameworks/base code and enables local privilege escalation without additional execution privileges. Exploitation requires no user interaction, which increases risk on shared or infected devices. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin September 2025. The vulnerability affects Android 13, 14, and 15, and is categorized under [CWE-693] Protection Mechanism Failure.
Critical Impact
A local application can hijack the Launcher app to gain elevated privileges on the device without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-0089 published to NVD
- 2025-09-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin September 2025
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-0089
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability arises from a logic error affecting how the Android framework validates or launches the Launcher application. Because the checks that gate Launcher initialization are incomplete, a local unprivileged component can substitute or hijack the Launcher role at runtime. Once the malicious component acts as the Launcher, it inherits the trust and privileges Android assigns to that role. This grants access to sensitive user interface surfaces, intents, and system integrations that would otherwise be unreachable to a third-party app.
Root Cause
The root cause is a protection mechanism failure [CWE-693] in the Launcher handling logic within platform/frameworks/base. Google's fix touches multiple call sites, as reflected in the three related Android source commits (ed39b7c3, f27918b3, and fd66d834). The flaw is not a memory corruption issue; it is a design and validation gap that allows an unintended code path to take over the Launcher role.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. An attacker must have code execution on the device, typically through a previously installed low-privilege application. The malicious app abuses the flawed Launcher handling to inject itself into the Launcher lifecycle. No user interaction is required, meaning the hijack can occur silently after installation. Successful exploitation yields elevated privileges tied to the Launcher context and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device.
No public proof-of-concept exploit has been published, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Technical details are available in the referenced Android source commits.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-0089
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to the default Launcher application without user action or setup.
- Third-party applications requesting or asserting the android.intent.category.HOME category outside of a legitimate Launcher install flow.
- Anomalous Activity lifecycle events tied to Launcher intents originating from non-system packages.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed applications on Android 13, 14, and 15 devices and compare the current default Launcher against the enrolled baseline in your mobile device management (MDM) console.
- Monitor Android system logs (logcat) for repeated Launcher resolution events or PackageManager queries for HOME activities from unprivileged apps.
- Use mobile threat defense telemetry to flag applications that declare Launcher intent filters but are not on an approved list.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on installation of applications that declare <category android:name="android.intent.category.HOME"/> in their manifest on managed devices.
- Track Android security patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and flag devices below the September 2025 patch level.
- Correlate Launcher hijack indicators with additional signals such as accessibility service abuse or overlay permission grants.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-0089
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the September 2025 Android security patch level (2025-09-01 or later) to all Android 13, 14, and 15 devices.
- Enforce a minimum security patch level policy through MDM and block or quarantine devices that do not meet it.
- Audit installed applications for those declaring Launcher intent categories and remove any that are not explicitly approved.
Patch Information
Google fixed CVE-2025-0089 in the Android Security Bulletin September 2025. The fix is implemented across three commits in platform/frameworks/base: commit ed39b7c3, commit f27918b3, and commit fd66d834. Device manufacturers distribute the patch as part of their monthly security update; users should install updates as soon as they are offered.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of applications to Google Play or an approved enterprise app store, and disable installation from unknown sources.
- Use Google Play Protect and mobile threat defense scanning to identify apps that request Launcher role or HOME intent categories.
- Retire or isolate devices that cannot receive the September 2025 or later Android security patch level.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
