CVE-2025-48525
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's DisassociationProcessor allows malicious apps to continue reading notifications after disassociation from a companion device due to improper input validation. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional permissions. This affects Android devices with companion device functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains persistent access to sensitive notifications (messages, authentication codes, private data) and could potentially chain with other vulnerabilities for further system compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious app reads notifications containing sensitive information (2FA codes, private messages, financial data) without user knowledge.
If Mitigated
Notification access is properly terminated upon disassociation, preventing unauthorized data access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app installation; no user interaction needed for exploitation after installation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: December 2025 Android Security Patch or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install December 2025 security patch or later. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable companion device functionality
androidTurn off companion device features to prevent exploitation vector
Restrict notification access
androidReview and limit notification access permissions for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting and only install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store
- Regularly review and revoke notification access permissions for all installed apps
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch level. If before December 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch levelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows December 2025 or later after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual notification access patterns by apps after disassociation events
- Apps accessing notifications without proper permissions in system logs
SIEM Query:
Look for notification access events from apps that have been disassociated from companion devices