CVE-2025-48590
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious Android app to cause resource exhaustion in the AppOpsService, potentially preventing emergency calls in limited circumstances. It affects Android devices running vulnerable versions, requiring no user interaction or special permissions for exploitation.
💻 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
Emergency services dialing could be blocked on affected devices during critical situations, potentially preventing life-saving communications.
Likely Case
Local denial of service affecting emergency dialing functionality under specific resource-constrained conditions.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper patching and app vetting through Google Play Protect.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app installation but no user interaction during exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level December 2025 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install December 2025 Android security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store with Play Protect enabled.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Enable Google Play Protect and only install apps from official app stores
- Monitor for suspicious app behavior and uninstall untrusted applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android Security Patch Level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If patch level is before December 2025, device may be vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings navigation only - no command line access on standard AndroidVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android Security Patch Level shows December 2025 or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Excessive AppOpsService resource usage
- Emergency dialing failures in system logs
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - local device vulnerability