CVE-2025-32312 Overview
CVE-2025-32312 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Android platform. The flaw resides in the createIntentsList method of PackageParser.java, where unsafe deserialization allows an attacker to bypass lazy bundle hardening. Modified data can be passed to the next process, enabling privilege escalation without user interaction. The issue is classified under CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data and affects Android versions 13, 14, and 15.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can escalate privileges on affected Android devices without user interaction, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-32312 published to NVD
- 2025-06-01 - Fix included in the Android Security Bulletin 2025-06-01
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-32312
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the createIntentsList function within PackageParser.java, a core component of the Android framework responsible for parsing application package information. Android introduced lazy bundle hardening as a mitigation against parcel-based deserialization attacks. This hardening defers deserialization of bundle values until they are read, reducing the risk of type confusion during inter-process communication.
The flaw allows an attacker to bypass this protection. Modified data passes through the parser and reaches subsequent processes without proper validation. When a privileged process later deserializes the tampered data, the attacker can influence execution paths in a higher-privileged context. This grants local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction.
Root Cause
The root cause is unsafe deserialization inside createIntentsList. The parser fails to enforce type safety guarantees expected by the lazy bundle hardening design. Attackers with local access can craft package data that survives parsing and is later interpreted incorrectly by a system component running with elevated privileges.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access with low privileges, such as those granted to an installed application. No additional execution privileges are needed, and no user interaction is required. The attacker delivers crafted intent or bundle data through standard Android inter-process communication (IPC) channels. When the receiving privileged process consumes the data, deserialization occurs in an unsafe context and yields elevated capabilities.
No public proof-of-concept is available, and no exploitation in the wild has been reported. See the Android source code change for the specific fix.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32312
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected privilege elevation events for applications with no legitimate reason to gain elevated capabilities.
- Anomalous IPC traffic containing malformed or unusually structured Bundle or Intent payloads.
- Installation of untrusted APKs from outside Google Play or verified enterprise channels.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs for PackageParser warnings and deserialization exceptions in privileged services.
- Review mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for devices missing the June 2025 Android security patch level.
- Correlate crash reports across system_server and package management components for signs of exploitation attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce reporting of Android security patch levels through enterprise mobility management platforms.
- Track application install sources and flag sideloaded applications for review.
- Use mobile threat defense telemetry to identify apps performing unusual IPC or attempting to interact with system services.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32312
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2025 Android security patch or later on all Android 13, 14, and 15 devices.
- Restrict application installation to trusted sources such as Google Play and verified enterprise stores.
- Audit installed applications on managed devices and remove untrusted or unnecessary apps.
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2025-32312 in the Android Security Bulletin 2025-06-01. The framework fix is available in the platform/frameworks/base commit 577cdba. Devices reporting a security patch level of 2025-06-01 or later contain the fix. OEM patch availability varies, so administrators should verify vendor-specific rollout schedules.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching to the June 2025 security patch level is the only complete mitigation.
- Limit the attack surface by disabling installation from unknown sources under Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps.
- Deploy mobile threat defense tooling to detect applications attempting to abuse deserialization paths in system components.
# Verify Android security patch level via ADB
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output: 2025-06-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
