CVE-2025-48550
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path traversal vulnerability in Android's SliceManagerTest component that allows local attackers to cause permanent denial of service without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects Android devices running vulnerable versions, potentially rendering affected components unusable until factory reset.
💻 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
Permanent denial of service affecting critical system components, potentially requiring factory reset to restore functionality.
Likely Case
Local denial of service affecting specific application components or services, disrupting normal device operation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to sandboxing and SELinux policies restricting the scope of damage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of the vulnerable test component. No user interaction needed but requires app installation or local execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2025-09-01 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-09-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Apply the September 2025 security patch or later. 3. Verify patch installation in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable test components
AndroidRemove or disable test components from production builds if possible
adb shell pm disable com.android.test.slice
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent malicious apps from exploiting the vulnerability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If before September 2025, device may be vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows September 2025 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual access attempts to SliceManagerTest components
- Path traversal patterns in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND ("SliceManagerTest" OR "testGrantSlicePermission") AND ("path traversal" OR "denial of service")