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The vulnerability CVE-2025-48633 resides in the `hasAccountsOnAnyUser` method within the `DevicePolicyManagerService.java` file of the Android framework. This method is responsible for checking whether any user accounts exist across all profiles on the device, a condition relevant during device provisioning and policy management. Due to a logic error in its implementation, the method may incorrectly evaluate the account presence or state. Specifically, the flawed logic can cause the method to return a false negative or bypass critical checks when determining if a Device Owner can be established post-provisioning. Device Owner is a privileged role in Android that grants extensive administrative control over the device, including the ability to wipe data, set policies, and install apps. Normally, adding a Device Owner is restricted after initial setup to prevent unauthorized takeover. However, this bug allows an attacker to exploit the erroneous logic to programmatically add a Device Owner even after the provisioning phase is complete. The attack is local, requiring no additional execution privileges, meaning a malicious app with basic permissions could trigger the exploit. No user interaction is needed, making it stealthy. The core issue likely involves improper validation of user account linkages or incorrect boolean logic that fails to enforce the intended security boundary. By exploiting this, an app can escalate its privileges to Device Owner level, leading to full device compromise. This logic flaw underscores the importance of rigorous condition checks in system services that manage high-privilege operations.
Platform: Android OS
Version: Multiple versions
Vulnerability: Device Owner Escalation
Severity: Critical
Date: 2025-12-08
Prediction: Expected December 2025
What Undercode Say:
Analytics
Check current device owner status
adb shell dpm list-owners
Review DevicePolicyManagerService code snippet (simplified)
Vulnerable method logic in Java
public boolean hasAccountsOnAnyUser() {
// Flawed logic allowing bypass
for (UserInfo user : users) {
if (accountsExist(user)) {
return true; // Logic error here
}
}
return false;
}
Monitor logcat for related events
adb logcat | grep -i devicepolicymanager
How Exploit:
Local app triggers flawed hasAccountsOnAnyUser method via reflection or direct API calls to bypass Device Owner checks, gaining elevated privileges without user interaction.
Protection from this CVE
Apply Android security updates; restrict app installations; monitor Device Owner changes; audit DevicePolicyManagerService patches.
Impact:
Full device control; data theft; policy manipulation; persistent malware installation.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
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