CVE-2025-22441 Overview
CVE-2025-22441 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Android RemoteViews component. The flaw resides in the getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths method of RemoteViews.java. A confused deputy condition allows an attacker to load arbitrary Java code within a privileged context. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction but no additional execution privileges. The issue affects Android 13, 14, and 15 and was addressed in the Android Security Bulletin for August 2025.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation permits arbitrary Java code execution in a privileged process, enabling local escalation of privilege on affected Android devices.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-22441 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-22441
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is categorized as a confused deputy issue [CWE-441] in the RemoteViews framework component. RemoteViews is used by Android to render UI elements, such as notifications and widgets, that originate from one application but display inside another privileged process, such as the System UI. The method getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths resolves and caches APK paths used to load resources. An attacker-controlled application can influence this resolution so that the privileged host loads Java code from an APK the attacker controls. The privileged host then acts on behalf of the attacker, breaking the trust boundary between the calling app and the receiving system component.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper delegation of resource resolution. getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths does not sufficiently validate the identity or authority of the party supplying the APK path. The privileged process trusts the caller's supplied metadata and creates a context that maps to attacker-controlled code paths. This is a classic confused deputy pattern where a higher-privileged component executes an action requested by a lower-privileged principal without verifying authorization.
Attack Vector
An attacker installs or runs a malicious application on the target device. The application crafts a RemoteViews object referencing an attacker-controlled APK path. It then delivers the object to a privileged surface that inflates RemoteViews, such as a notification listener or widget host. User interaction, for example tapping a notification or adding a widget, triggers the privileged process to resolve resources through the vulnerable method. The privileged process then loads and executes Java code from the attacker's APK, resulting in local privilege escalation. See the Android Security Bulletin August 2025 for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22441
Indicators of Compromise
- Applications registering unusual RemoteViews payloads that reference APK paths outside their own package directory.
- System UI or notification host processes loading classes from third-party APK paths not associated with the hosting service.
- Unexpected dex2oat or class loader activity in privileged processes shortly after notification or widget interaction.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android package manager and RemoteViews inflation logs for cross-package APK path references during resource resolution.
- Correlate installations of newly sideloaded applications with subsequent privileged process class loads.
- Use mobile threat defense telemetry to flag applications that construct RemoteViews with non-standard resource contexts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Android device logs into a centralized analytics pipeline and alert on anomalous class loading in system_server or SystemUI.
- Track patch level compliance across the mobile fleet and identify devices still reporting a security patch level earlier than 2025-08-01.
- Review enterprise mobility management (EMM) inventories for applications requesting notification, widget, or accessibility privileges.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22441
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected Android 13, 14, and 15 devices to a security patch level of 2025-08-01 or later.
- Restrict sideloading and enforce Google Play Protect on managed devices through EMM policies.
- Audit installed applications with notification, widget, or RemoteViews-related capabilities and remove untrusted apps.
Patch Information
Google released fixes for CVE-2025-22441 in the Android Security Bulletin August 2025. Devices reporting a security patch level of 2025-08-01 or later contain the corrected RemoteViews resource resolution logic. OEMs distribute the fix through their standard monthly update channels, so administrators should confirm vendor availability for each device model.
Workarounds
- Disable installation from unknown sources and require applications to be installed only from vetted enterprise or Play Store channels.
- Train users to avoid interacting with notifications, widgets, or prompts originating from untrusted applications until patches are applied.
- Apply EMM policies that limit which applications can post notifications or provide home screen widgets on managed devices.
# Verify the Android security patch level on a device via adb
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for patched devices: 2025-08-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
