CVE-2025-48567: Google Android Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-48567 Overview

CVE-2025-48567 is a path traversal vulnerability affecting Google Android that arises from incorrect Unicode normalization in file path filtering mechanisms. The flaw exists in multiple locations within the Android operating system where path filters designed to prevent access to sensitive directories can be bypassed through specially crafted Unicode sequences. This vulnerability allows attackers to escape intended directory restrictions and access protected system files or directories.

Critical Impact

Local privilege escalation through Unicode normalization bypass allows attackers to access sensitive directories and potentially gain elevated system privileges on affected Android devices.

Affected Products

• Google Android 14.0
• Google Android 15.0
• Google Android 16.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-02 - CVE-2025-48567 published to NVD
• 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48567

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), commonly known as path traversal. The core issue stems from how the Android system handles Unicode normalization when validating file paths against security filters.

Unicode normalization is a process that converts Unicode text into a standardized form. When file path security filters check for malicious patterns like ../ (directory traversal sequences), they may perform the check before or after Unicode normalization occurs. If the normalization happens after the security check, an attacker can craft Unicode sequences that appear safe during validation but normalize into dangerous path traversal patterns afterward.

The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction for exploitation, meaning an attacker would typically need to trick a user into opening a malicious file or interacting with a compromised application. Once exploited, the attacker can bypass directory restrictions and potentially access sensitive system files, leading to local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges.

Root Cause

The root cause is incorrect Unicode normalization ordering in Android's file path validation logic. The security filters that prevent access to sensitive directories do not properly account for Unicode equivalence and normalization forms. Attackers can use Unicode characters that visually or logically represent path separator sequences but pass initial security checks, only to be normalized into actual traversal sequences when the path is processed by the file system.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the device and user interaction. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by delivering a malicious application or file that contains specially crafted Unicode sequences in file path references. When the user interacts with this content, the Unicode sequences bypass the path filters and are subsequently normalized into directory traversal patterns, granting access to restricted directories.

The exploitation could manifest through various vectors including malicious applications, downloaded files with crafted paths, or through inter-process communication where path validation occurs. The attacker does not need any prior privileges on the device, but successful exploitation requires the victim to perform some action that triggers the vulnerable code path.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48567

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file access patterns in system logs showing access to sensitive directories from unprivileged contexts
• Applications accessing paths outside their designated sandbox directories
• Log entries containing unusual Unicode characters or encoded sequences in file path parameters
• Unexpected modifications to system files or protected data directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system access logs for path traversal patterns including Unicode-encoded variants
• Implement behavioral analysis to detect applications accessing files outside their normal operational scope
• Deploy endpoint detection rules that flag suspicious Unicode sequences in file path operations
• Review application permissions and sandbox violations in Android security logs

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for file system operations on critical Android devices
• Configure security monitoring to alert on access attempts to sensitive system directories
• Implement application behavior baselines to detect anomalous file access patterns
• Monitor for privilege escalation indicators following suspicious file access events

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48567

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest Android security updates from the Android Security Bulletin March 2026
• Review and restrict application installations to trusted sources only
• Audit installed applications for suspicious behavior or excessive file system permissions
• Enable Google Play Protect and ensure it is actively scanning applications

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize distributing these security patches to affected devices running Android 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. Users should check their device settings for available security updates and apply them immediately.

For detailed patch information and security patch levels, refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Workarounds

• Avoid opening files or installing applications from untrusted sources until patches are applied
• Review application permissions and revoke unnecessary file system access
• Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and restrict application installations
• Consider enabling additional Android security features such as verified boot and app verification

# Check current Android security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

# List installed applications with file permissions
adb shell pm list packages -f

# Check for pending system updates
adb shell settings get global device_provisioned