CVE-2025-48582: Google Android Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-48582 Overview

CVE-2025-48582 is an intent redirection vulnerability affecting Google Android that allows a malicious application to delete media files without requiring the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission. This vulnerability exists in multiple locations within the Android OS and can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation without any user interaction.

The flaw stems from improper handling of intent redirects, classified under CWE-59 (Improper Link Resolution Before File Access). By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can bypass Android's permission model and perform privileged file operations that should normally require elevated permissions.

Critical Impact

Local privilege escalation enabling unauthorized media deletion without MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission. No user interaction required for exploitation.

Affected Products

• Google Android 14.0
• Google Android 15.0
• Google Android 16.0 (including QPR2 Beta 1, 2, and 3)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-02 - CVE CVE-2025-48582 published to NVD
• 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48582

Vulnerability Analysis

This intent redirection vulnerability allows a malicious application to circumvent Android's storage permission model. The Android operating system uses intents to facilitate inter-process communication between applications. When intent handling is improperly implemented, a malicious app can redirect these intents to perform actions beyond its granted permissions.

In this case, the vulnerability exists in multiple locations within Android's media handling components. A malicious application can craft a specially designed intent that gets redirected in a way that allows it to delete media files from external storage without possessing the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission—a highly privileged permission that is typically restricted to file manager applications and similar utilities.

The attack can be executed locally without any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as users would have no indication that their media files are being deleted. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of user data stored on the device.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-48582 is improper link resolution before file access, as classified under CWE-59. Android components fail to properly validate the source and destination of redirected intents, allowing an unprivileged application to leverage legitimate system components to perform privileged file operations. The affected code paths do not adequately verify that the calling application has the necessary permissions to perform the requested media deletion operation.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed locally by a malicious application installed on the target device. The attacker crafts an intent that exploits the redirect vulnerability in Android's media handling components.

The exploitation flow involves: a malicious application creating an intent designed to be processed by a privileged system component; the system component improperly handling the redirect without verifying source permissions; and the privileged component executing the delete operation on behalf of the malicious app.

Since no user interaction is required, the attack can occur silently in the background. An attacker could embed this exploit in a seemingly benign application that, once installed, could systematically delete the user's photos, videos, and other media files without any visible indication.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48582

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected deletion of media files (photos, videos, audio) without user action
• Applications attempting to send intents to media-related system components despite lacking MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission
• Unusual intent activity patterns in system logs involving media content providers
• Third-party applications triggering media deletion operations through indirect intent chains

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications sending intents to media content providers without appropriate storage permissions
• Implement runtime intent validation to detect suspicious redirect patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify privilege escalation attempts on Android devices
• Analyze application behavior for unauthorized file system operations targeting media directories

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for intent handling in media-related system components
• Monitor content://media/ URI access patterns for anomalous deletion activity
• Track permission usage and flag applications attempting privileged operations without corresponding permissions
• Implement file integrity monitoring for critical media storage locations

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48582

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the March 2026 Android Security Update as soon as it becomes available for your device
• Review installed applications and remove any suspicious or untrusted apps
• Enable Google Play Protect to detect potentially harmful applications
• Back up important media files to a secure external location until patches are applied

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026. Device manufacturers and carriers will distribute the security patch through their standard update channels. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the security patch level of 2026-03-01 or later to receive the fix.

For devices that receive monthly security updates, the patch should be included in the March 2026 security update. Pixel device users can expect updates directly from Google, while users of other Android devices should check with their device manufacturer for update availability.

Workarounds

• Avoid installing applications from untrusted sources outside of the Google Play Store
• Review and audit application permissions, paying close attention to storage-related permissions
• Consider using a mobile security solution that can detect and block intent-based attacks
• Enable additional app verification through Google Play Protect settings

# Verify your device's security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

# List installed packages with dangerous permissions
adb shell pm list packages -d

# Monitor intent activity (requires developer mode)
adb logcat | grep -i "Intent"