CVE-2025-22427 - Notification Access Escalation via Lock Screen Logic Flaw in Android

CVE-2025-22427 is a newly identified security vulnerability in the Android operating system’s NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity.java. It presents a logic flaw in how notification access permissions can be granted—even while a device is locked. This bug can allow a local, unprivileged attacker to escalate privileges and grant unwanted access to notifications, potentially allowing sensitive information leakage and exposing user data to malicious apps. While exploitation does require some form of user interaction, it does _not_ require any extra execution privileges or root access.

What Is the Vulnerability?

In simple terms, the method responsible for confirming whether an app can access your device's notifications (_NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity.java_) contains an error. Normally, on Android, you’re supposed to confirm notification access while your phone is _unlocked_ to prevent just anyone from granting these permissions. But CVE-2025-22427 lets someone get around this—and make it possible to grant access _even when the device is locked_.

Root Cause

The issue occurs during the onCreate() lifecycle method of the NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity class. The logic designed to check if the device is unlocked can be bypassed under certain circumstances. The error lies in insufficient validation of the lock status before showing the confirmation dialog.

Here’s a simplified (pseudo) version of what happens inside onCreate()

public class NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity extends Activity {
    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);

        // Check if the phone is locked
        if (isDeviceLocked()) {
            // Should exit, but code mistakenly continues
            showConfirmationDialog();  // <- This should NOT show if locked!
        }

        // Rest of the code
    }

    private boolean isDeviceLocked() {
        KeyguardManager km = (KeyguardManager) getSystemService(Context.KEYGUARD_SERVICE);
        return km.isKeyguardLocked();
    }
}

Vulnerability: Due to a logic/flow error, showConfirmationDialog() can still be invoked even when the device is locked, allowing notification access to be granted inappropriately.

How Exploitation Works

Exploiting CVE-2025-22427 requires a _malicious_ or _compromised_ app on the device. Here’s what an attacker might do:

1. Malware App Installation: The user unknowingly installs a malicious app (possibly disguised as a game or utility).
2. Triggering the Request: The app triggers the system’s notification access request, which should require user authentication.
3. Lock Screen Bypass: Due to the logic bug, the permission dialog can appear _over_ the lock screen.
4. User Interaction: The user, possibly tricked by social engineering, grants notification access even though the device is locked.
5. Privilege Escalation: The malicious app now monitors, reads, or even manipulates notifications, gaining access to sensitive information (2FA codes, private messages, etc).

NOTE: The attacker cannot exploit CVE-2025-22427 _remotely_—it requires physical access or a user to fall for the trick on their device.

This is a theoretical illustration (not for malicious use)

Intent intent = new Intent(Settings.ACTION_NOTIFICATION_LISTENER_SETTINGS);
startActivity(intent);
// Due to the logic bug, the confirmation dialog can appear atop the lock screen.

A clever attacker can then overlay misleading UI or use accessibility features to trick users into granting access.

Videos & Blogs

- Android Notification Access Vulnerabilities
- Mitre CVE Details (CVE-2025-22427)
- Android Security Bulletin, June 2025

*(Note: Actual details may change as disclosure evolves. Always check official links for latest advisories.)*

Update: Always keep your Android system and apps updated!

- Review Apps: Only install apps from trusted sources. Review notification access permissions in your settings regularly.
- Lock Screen Practices: Be wary of any prompts that appear on the lock screen, especially those asking for sensitive permissions.

References

- Official Android Patch Notes
- CVE-2025-22427 at NVD
- Android Security Blog

Conclusion

CVE-2025-22427 reminds us that even small logic errors in Android's system code can have serious consequences. Always be cautious of permissions popups—especially if they show up somewhere unusual, like the lock screen! Stay informed, stay updated, and help keep your device (and data) safe.


Need more info? Check the official Android Security Bulletin for updates and guidance.

Timeline

Published on: 09/02/2025 23:15:33 UTC
Last modified on: 09/04/2025 16:39:24 UTC