CVE-2025-48635: Google Android Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-48635 Overview

CVE-2025-48635 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Google Android devices. The flaw exists in multiple functions within TaskFragmentOrganizerController.java, where a logic error enables a possible activity token leak. This vulnerability allows attackers to achieve local escalation of privilege without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.

Critical Impact

Local privilege escalation through activity token leak enables attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected Android devices without user interaction.

Affected Products

• Google Android 14.0
• Google Android 15.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-02 - CVE-2025-48635 published to NVD
• 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48635

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The flaw resides in TaskFragmentOrganizerController.java, a component responsible for managing task fragment organization within the Android framework. Due to a logic error in the code's handling of activity tokens, sensitive token information can be leaked to unauthorized processes or applications.

Activity tokens in Android serve as secure identifiers that authenticate and authorize interactions between applications and the system framework. When these tokens are improperly exposed, a malicious application running locally can capture them and leverage them to perform privileged operations that would normally be restricted.

The attack requires local access to the device, meaning an attacker must already have a foothold through a malicious application installed on the device. However, once exploitation occurs, no additional execution privileges are required, and the attack can proceed without any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for devices with malicious applications already present.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from a logic error in the TaskFragmentOrganizerController.java component. The code fails to properly validate or protect activity tokens during certain operations, resulting in their exposure to unauthorized contexts. This information disclosure vulnerability directly enables the privilege escalation attack vector.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed locally on the device. An attacker with a malicious application installed on a vulnerable Android device can exploit this flaw to intercept leaked activity tokens. These tokens can then be used to impersonate legitimate system processes or applications, effectively escalating the attacker's privileges on the device. The attack requires no user interaction and no special permissions beyond those typically available to standard applications.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48635

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual activity from applications attempting to access or monitor TaskFragmentOrganizerController functions
• Unexpected privilege escalation events from untrusted applications on Android devices
• Abnormal inter-process communication patterns involving activity tokens

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Android system logs for anomalous access patterns to the Task Fragment Organizer subsystem
• Implement application behavior analysis to detect apps attempting unauthorized privilege escalation
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying suspicious activity token usage patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for framework-level activity on Android 14.0 and 15.0 devices
• Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor for potentially malicious applications
• Review application permissions and installed applications regularly on enterprise-managed devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48635

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest Android security patches from the Android Security Bulletin March 2026
• Review and remove any untrusted or unnecessary applications from affected devices
• Enable automatic security updates on Android devices where possible
• Consider restricting app installations to verified sources only

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers and carriers will distribute the patch through their respective update channels. Users should check for and apply the latest security updates immediately. For detailed patch information, refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Workarounds

• Limit application installations to trusted sources such as the Google Play Store
• Review installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary or from unknown publishers
• Consider implementing mobile threat defense solutions on enterprise devices to detect exploitation attempts
• Ensure devices are enrolled in enterprise mobile device management for centralized security policy enforcement