CVE-2025-48619 Overview
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in multiple functions of ContentProvider.java in Google Android. The flaw stems from a logic error that allows an application with read-only access to truncate files it should not have write permissions to modify. This vulnerability enables local escalation of privilege without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.
Critical Impact
Applications with read-only permissions can exploit this logic error to truncate files, potentially leading to local privilege escalation on affected Android devices without any user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Google Android 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-02 - CVE-2025-48619 published to NVD
- 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48619
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating a fundamental flaw in how the Android ContentProvider manages file access permissions. The issue allows applications to perform file truncation operations that exceed their intended read-only permission scope.
The ContentProvider framework in Android serves as a structured interface for managing shared data access between applications. When an application requests read-only access to content, the ContentProvider should enforce strict boundaries preventing any write operations. However, due to a logic error in the permission validation code within ContentProvider.java, file truncation operations bypass these access controls.
The local attack vector means an attacker must have the ability to install and execute a malicious application on the target device. Once installed, the malicious app can request legitimate read-only access to content managed by other applications or system components, then exploit this flaw to truncate those files—effectively corrupting or destroying data it should only be able to read.
Root Cause
The root cause is a logic error in the ContentProvider implementation that fails to properly validate whether truncation operations should be permitted under read-only access grants. The permission check incorrectly allows truncation as a valid read operation, when in fact truncation modifies the file and should require write permissions. This improper access control allows privilege boundaries to be violated.
Attack Vector
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by deploying a malicious Android application that:
- Requests read-only access to content managed by a ContentProvider
- Exploits the logic error to perform truncation operations on files
- Corrupts or destroys critical data belonging to other applications or system components
- Leverages the data corruption to escalate privileges on the device
The attack requires no user interaction beyond the initial app installation and can be performed without any additional execution privileges. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data on the device.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48619
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected file truncation events in applications that granted only read access to other apps
- System logs showing ContentProvider operations that exceed granted permissions
- Anomalous behavior from applications attempting repeated read-access requests followed by file modifications
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs for ContentProvider access violations and unusual file operation patterns
- Implement application behavior analysis to detect apps attempting operations beyond their declared permissions
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying privilege escalation attempts on Android devices
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for ContentProvider operations on managed devices
- Utilize mobile threat defense solutions to monitor for malicious application behaviors
- Review installed applications for suspicious permission requests or behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48619
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patches from the Android Security Bulletin March 2026 immediately
- Review installed applications and remove any untrusted or suspicious apps from affected devices
- Ensure devices are configured to receive automatic security updates from Google
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The patch corrects the logic error in ContentProvider.java to properly enforce read-only access restrictions and prevent unauthorized file truncation operations. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize distributing this security update to affected devices running Android 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0.
For detailed patch information and security update guidance, refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of applications from unknown sources on managed devices
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to control application permissions
- Consider temporary isolation of sensitive data until patches can be applied to vulnerable devices
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
