Android's Work Profile is designed to separate user data and apps between personal and work spaces, keeping professional apps and data isolated for security and privacy. However, in early 2025, a vulnerability was discovered that could allow a local attacker to bypass restrictions between these profiles—CVE-2025-22433. This bug, rooted in a logic error within IntentForwarderActivity.java, can let malicious apps access data or privileges from the work profile, violating enterprise security models.

In this long read, we'll break down how the bug works, provide a simple exploit code snippet, and guide readers to more resources for investigation. This analysis is exclusive and aims to make the details clear for both security analysts and Android developers.

What is Cross-Profile Intent Forwarding?

Android offers cross-profile intent forwarding to allow specific, filtered communication between apps in different profiles (like personal and work). The mechanism is governed by intent filters to make sure only certain actions and data cross the profile boundary, preventing unauthorized access.

Where’s the Problem?

The vulnerability is found in the canForward() method of IntentForwarderActivity.java, part of the Android source handling intent forwarding:

User Interaction: None; the exploit can be triggered silently by an app.

- Possible Consequences: Data exfiltration, unauthorized activity triggering, or privilege escalation from personal to work profile.

Let's look at the simplified vulnerable code (inspired by Android 14)

// Vulnerable code snippet
private boolean canForward(Intent intent, int targetUserId) {
    // Intended: Check if intent is allowed to pass
    IntentFilter filter = getCrossProfileIntentFilter(intent.getAction());
    // Logic error: Only action checked, not data or type
    if (filter != null && filter.hasAction(intent.getAction())) {
        return true; // Bypassed!
    }
    return false;
}

What’s wrong here?

While the intent filter for cross-profile forwarding should check action, data, and type, it only checks for the action. That means that a malicious app can craft an intent with an allowed action, but smuggle in forbidden data or type, and the filter won’t block it.

1. Find an Allowed Action

Look up Android’s cross-profile allowed actions (like Intent.ACTION_VIEW).

2. Craft a Malicious Intent

Attach sensitive data or a restricted URI with the allowed action.

3. Forward the Intent

Send the intent to IntentForwarderActivity, which then forwards it across the profile boundary without verifying the data.

### 4. Recieve/Extract the Data in the Other Profile

Malicious code running in the destination profile can now access what should have been restricted data/content.

Here’s a simple proof-of-concept as an Android app snippet (Java)

Intent maliciousIntent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW); // Allowed action
maliciousIntent.setData(Uri.parse("content://com.workprofile.app/sensitive_data")); // Forbidden data
maliciousIntent.setClassName("android", "com.android.internal.app.IntentForwarderActivity");
maliciousIntent.putExtra("extra_payload", "steal_this");

// Send the malicious intent
startActivity(maliciousIntent); // This silently triggers the forward, no user interaction

Who’s At Risk?

If your organization uses Android Work Profile (common with BYOD and enterprise deployments), attackers can cross the intended boundary between work and personal apps, stealing or manipulating critical business data.

Mitigations

- Patch: Google has released a fix that properly validates all intent filter fields. Apply security updates from your device/OEM vendor as soon as possible.
- Example commit: AOSP Gerrit - Patch Link

Monitor: Use Endpoint Detection tools to watch for unauthorized intent forwarding.

- Restrict: Limit installation of unapproved apps, especially in BYOD/enterprise settings.

References & Further Reading

- Android Security Bulletin (June 2025): Link *(check for CVE-2025-22433 specifics)*
- AOSP Source File: IntentForwarderActivity.java
- CVE Record: CVE-2025-22433 at MITRE
- General Android Profiles Docs: Work Profile Overview

Conclusion

CVE-2025-22433 highlights how even small logic mistakes in filter validation can have big consequences in mobile security. If you manage Android devices, update immediately and consider additional app restrictions. App developers should also validate incoming intents defensively, especially in cross-profile scenarios!

*Stay tuned for more in-depth research on new mobile vulnerabilities—subscribe for updates!*

Timeline

Published on: 09/02/2025 23:15:34 UTC
Last modified on: 09/04/2025 16:38:21 UTC