CVE-2025-48612 Overview
CVE-2025-48612 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Google Android affecting the setDefaultKey method of DefaultPaymentSettings.java. Improper input validation allows an application to modify the main user's default Near Field Communication (NFC) payment setting without proper authorization checks. The flaw requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges, making it exploitable by any local application on the device. Google addressed the issue in the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-20] (Improper Input Validation) and affects Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16.
Critical Impact
A local application can silently change the primary user's default NFC payment method, enabling privilege escalation and potential financial fraud through unauthorized contactless payment routing.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0 and 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-08 - CVE-2025-48612 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-01 - Google releases fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48612
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the setDefaultKey method of DefaultPaymentSettings.java, a component that governs which application handles tap-to-pay transactions on Android devices. The method fails to properly validate input parameters before applying changes to the main user's NFC payment configuration.
Because the check for caller identity and multi-user context is insufficient, a secondary or unprivileged application can influence a setting that should be restricted to the primary user. This crosses a security boundary that Android normally enforces between user profiles and payment-authorized services.
The root weakness is classified as [CWE-20], Improper Input Validation. Successful exploitation gives attackers a foothold to redirect NFC payment intents to an attacker-controlled application, which may then intercept payment flows or impersonate a legitimate wallet.
Root Cause
The setDefaultKey implementation trusts caller-supplied parameters used to identify the target user and payment service without adequately verifying that the caller has permission to alter the main user's default payment setting. Missing validation on the target user identifier and calling package permits unintended state changes.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a locally installed application on the target device. The malicious app invokes the vulnerable API with crafted parameters targeting the main user's NFC payment configuration. No user interaction, prompt, or elevated permission grant is required to trigger the flaw. Technical details are described in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48612
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to the default NFC payment application in device settings
- Installation of applications that request NFC or Host Card Emulation (HCE) capabilities without a clear business purpose
- Log entries showing calls to DefaultPaymentSettings.setDefaultKey originating from non-wallet packages
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs (logcat) for invocations of setDefaultKey from unexpected package names
- Inventory installed applications on managed devices and flag any app declaring android.nfc.cardemulation services outside an approved wallet allowlist
- Track the current default NFC payment service via mobile device management (MDM) queries and alert on unauthorized changes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Android device telemetry into a centralized analytics platform to correlate NFC configuration changes with recent app installations
- Alert on any modification to payment defaults on devices belonging to executives or finance staff
- Review MDM compliance policies to enforce baseline configurations for NFC and payment services
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48612
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security patch level or later on all affected devices
- Audit installed applications and remove any untrusted apps that request NFC or HCE service registrations
- Verify the configured default NFC payment application on each managed device and reset to the approved wallet if changed
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Devices running Android 13, 14, 15, or 16 must be updated to the security patch level dated 2026-06-01 or later. OEM update rollouts vary; consult the device vendor for the specific build containing the fix.
Workarounds
- Disable NFC on devices that do not require contactless payments until the patch is applied
- Restrict application installation to vetted enterprise app stores via MDM policy
- Enforce a policy that prevents non-approved applications from being set as the default payment handler where the MDM platform supports this control
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
