A new vulnerability, CVE-2025-26458, was discovered in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The flaw sits inside multiple functions of the LocationProviderManager.java class. Due to a logical error, it is possible for a malicious app to trigger background activity launches, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges locally. This happens without any need for user interaction, and additional app permissions are not required.

Let’s break down the vulnerability, how it can be exploited, and what mitigation steps you can take.

What is LocationProviderManager.java?

LocationProviderManager.java is part of Android's core components that manage location providers like GPS and network-based location. Its job is to manage the status and updates of location requests. Because these operations happen at the system level, any bug in this file can have system-wide security consequences.

The Vulnerability in Simple Terms

In several functions within LocationProviderManager.java, the code forgets to validate the context in which it launches certain background activities. This means that an app running with no special permissions can trick the system into starting a privileged background activity without proper checks.

Code Analysis: The Logic Error

Let’s look at a simplified code snippet to show the logic problem.

public void handleProviderRequest(ProviderRequest request) {
    // ... validation and setup ...

    // Context is not checked, nor is user visibility considered
    Intent intent = new Intent(context, SomePrivilegedActivity.class);
    intent.addFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK);

    // launches background activity without user interaction
    context.startActivity(intent);
}

What’s wrong here?
- Activities started from the background, especially privileged ones, should be heavily restricted, or at least should pass additional checks (like verifying the calling UID or whether this launch is actually initiated by the user).
- Here, any app with access to this pathway could get SomePrivilegedActivity to start, and possibly piggyback on its elevated privileges.

Original file reference:
- See the upstream source at AOSP LocationProviderManager.java (may not reflect the specific vulnerable version).

Write a malicious app that triggers the vulnerable path in LocationProviderManager.

2. The app calls a function—via IPC or other trick—to cause the system to launch a system activity in the background.
3. The system activity starts, possibly running at higher privileges, and the attacker’s app gains unforeseen power (like reading protected data or hijacking system UI).

Example Pseudocode

// In malicious app:
Intent intent = new Intent(ACTION_TRIGGER_VULNERABLE_CODE);
// The intent is crafted to reach the vulnerable LocationProviderManager handler.

context.sendBroadcast(intent);
// No special permission is needed
// The LocationProviderManager picks this up and (due to buggy code) launches privileged Activity

User Interaction: None.

- Impact: Can cause background launching of privileged activities, leading to privilege escalation scenarios.

References

- Android Security Bulletin – 2025
- AOSP LocationProviderManager.java (Reference Code)
- Google Issue Tracker – Example Report

Final Thoughts

CVE-2025-26458 is a dangerous vulnerability, because it allows local privilege escalation with no user interaction and no extra permissions. The bug itself results from a classic logic error—forgetting to restrict background activity launches in system code.

If you develop for Android or manage Android fleets, it's critical to apply security updates as soon as possible. Always check the Android Security Bulletin for updates on this and other vulnerabilities.

Timeline

Published on: 09/04/2025 18:15:45 UTC
Last modified on: 09/08/2025 14:11:52 UTC