CVE-2025-48596
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's Parcel.cpp allows an out-of-bounds read due to missing bounds checking. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. Affects Android devices running vulnerable versions of the framework.
💻 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
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to gain root/system privileges, access sensitive data, and install persistent malware.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps to break out of sandbox and access other apps' data or system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, have SELinux/AppArmor properly configured, and run minimal privileged apps.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or malicious app installation. No user interaction needed once the attack vector is present.
🛠️ 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. Apply the December 2025 security patch or later. 3. Reboot device after installation. 4. Verify patch installation in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store and disable unknown sources installation.
adb shell settings put secure install_non_market_apps 0
Enable Google Play Protect
androidEnsure Google Play Protect is active to scan for malicious apps.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If before December 2025, device is likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows December 2025 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- SELinux/AppArmor denials related to Parcel operations
- Crash reports from system_server or apps with memory access violations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="android_system_logs" AND ("Parcel" OR "out of bounds" OR "bounds check") AND severity>=WARNING