CVE-2025-32327 Overview
CVE-2025-32327 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] in multiple functions of PickerDbFacade.java, a component of the Android MediaProvider package. A local attacker with low privileges can manipulate SQL queries to access unauthorized data and escalate privileges on the device. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges.
The flaw affects Android 14 and Android 15. Google addressed the issue in the September 2025 Android Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
A local application without special permissions can leverage SQL injection in the media picker database layer to gain elevated privileges and access data outside its sandbox.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Android MediaProvider module (PickerDbFacade.java)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-32327 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-32327
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in PickerDbFacade.java, part of the Android MediaProvider package that manages the photo picker database. Multiple functions in this class construct SQL statements using attacker-influenced input without sufficient sanitization or parameterization.
Because MediaProvider runs with elevated system-level privileges and mediates access to shared media across applications, a successful SQL injection allows an unprivileged local application to read or modify records it should not access. The Common Weakness Enumeration classification is [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).
The outcome is local privilege escalation with confidentiality, integrity, and availability all affected. No user interaction is required.
Root Cause
The root cause is dynamic construction of SQL query strings inside PickerDbFacade functions using data controlled by a calling application. Instead of binding parameters or strictly validating selection arguments and column names, code paths concatenate untrusted values into query text, allowing an attacker to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
A malicious app installed on the device targets the MediaProvider content interface exposed by the photo picker. The app submits crafted selection clauses, projection arguments, or ordering values that break out of the intended query context. The injected SQL executes with MediaProvider's privileges, returning or modifying rows across the media database and enabling privilege escalation.
Exploitation is local (AV:L) and does not require user interaction. Technical implementation details are available in the Android MediaProvider commit.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32327
Indicators of Compromise
- Installed applications that issue unusual or malformed queries to the MediaProvider photo picker content URI.
- Anomalous access patterns to media items outside the calling app's normal scope.
- Presence of applications requesting media access with elevated frequency shortly after install.
Detection Strategies
- Review application behavior on managed devices for queries to content://media/ picker endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, semicolons, or UNION keywords.
- Use Android Enterprise or MDM telemetry to identify devices running Android 14 or 15 that have not received the 2025-09-01 security patch level.
- Inspect sideloaded APKs in sandboxed analysis for calls to MediaProvider APIs with attacker-controlled selection arguments.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track the Android security patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and alert on devices below 2025-09-01.
- Forward mobile threat defense and MDM logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation of suspicious app behavior.
- Monitor Google Play Protect and app reputation signals for newly flagged applications targeting media APIs.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32327
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the September 2025 Android security patch (patch level 2025-09-01 or later) on all Android 14 and Android 15 devices.
- Prioritize patching for devices used by high-value users or those handling sensitive media.
- Restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources through MDM policy.
Patch Information
Google fixed the flaw in the MediaProvider module. The upstream change is documented in the Android MediaProvider commit and referenced in the Android Security Bulletin September 2025. Device manufacturers distribute the fix through their monthly security update channels.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists. Applying the vendor patch is the only complete remediation.
- Until patched, limit app installation to Google Play and enable Google Play Protect scanning.
- Enforce MDM policies that block sideloading and restrict apps requesting broad media permissions.
# Verify current Android security patch level on a device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output should be 2025-09-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
