Published: June 2024
Severity: High
Component: Android DevicePolicyManagerService
Exploitability: Local, no user interaction

Introduction

In early 2024, a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-22442 was discovered in Android's DevicePolicyManagerService.java. This bug introduces a race condition during the creation of new work profiles, allowing restricted or unauthorized applications to sneak past security checks and get installed automatically. Notably, this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability—no extra permissions or user clicks required.

Let's break down what was vulnerable, how attackers can exploit it, and how you can defend your environment.

What Is DevicePolicyManagerService?

DevicePolicyManagerService (DPMS) is a central Android service allowing device admins to enforce various security policies, including managing which apps can be installed in work profiles. Work profiles are isolated environments mostly used for enterprise or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios.

The problem arises because, during the setup of a new work profile, there’s a fleeting window in which app installation policies and enforcement are not fully in sync. An aggressive app or attacker can exploit this gap to install apps that would usually be blocked.

Root Cause: Race Condition

When a work profile is created, DevicePolicyManagerService.java executes multiple asynchronous functions to enforce managed policies. However, there is a race condition—a timing issue—where an attacker could trigger app installations *before* the device policies have fully locked down the new profile.

Here’s a simplified code snippet to demonstrate where the logic fails

public void createAndSetupWorkProfile(UserHandle user) {
    // Step 1: Create user/profile
    handle = createUser(user);

    // Step 2: Enforce device policies (ASYNC!)
    new Thread(() -> {
        enforceAllPolicies(handle);  // Policies set here
    }).start();

    // Step 3: Allow initial app installs
    allowInitialAppInstall(handle); // Potential gap exploited here
}

The flaw is that Step 2 (enforceAllPolicies) is not guaranteed to finish before Step 3 (allowInitialAppInstall). This momentary gap is the attack window.

Trigger Instant App Installation

- As soon as the new profile is detected but *before* the policy enforcement thread finishes, the attacker initiates the installation of a hidden, unauthorized, or potentially malicious app.

App Gets Installed

- Since policy enforcement isn't yet complete, the app slips through and installs, even though it should be blocked.

Example Pseudocode

BroadcastReceiver workProfileReceiver = new BroadcastReceiver() {
    @Override
    public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) {
        if ("android.intent.action.PROFILE_CREATED".equals(intent.getAction())) {
            // Race: install unauthorized app
            Intent installIntent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_INSTALL_PACKAGE);
            installIntent.setData(Uri.fromFile(new File("/sdcard/unauthorizedApp.apk")));
            installIntent.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK);
            context.startActivity(installIntent);
        }
    }
};

Note: Real-world exploitation may involve more obfuscated or system-level code, but the above represents the basic approach.

Impact

- Escalation of Privilege: Apps not allowed by enterprise or device policy could install in the protected work profile, bypassing MDM and EMM controls.

Persistent Access: Once inside, malicious apps could access sensitive work data.

- No User Interaction Needed: This is what makes this bug so dangerous; malware can exploit it automatically.

Mitigation and Detection

- Update to Patched Android Release: Google fixed this issue in June 2024. All supported devices received security updates—*apply them immediately*.
- Monitor Installed Apps: Regularly audit installed work profile apps to look for any unauthorized entries.
- Enterprise Policy Enhancement: Consider enforced delays or monitoring with custom MDM tools at profile creation until policies are confirmed active.

References

- Android Security Bulletin — June 2024
- CVE-2025-22442 NVD Entry
- Android DevicePolicyManagerService documentation

Conclusion

CVE-2025-22442 serves as another reminder that timing bugs in system services can have severe consequences. If you're managing Android fleet devices, apply the latest updates immediately and be wary of any unusual app installations in your work profiles. If you’re a developer, always ensure asynchronous security enforcement can’t be raced in critical flows.

Stay safe!

*This post is exclusive content—share responsibly to help protect your fleet.*

Timeline

Published on: 09/02/2025 23:15:35 UTC
Last modified on: 09/04/2025 16:37:40 UTC