CVE-2025-48625
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to access USB data when the device screen is off due to a race condition in Android's USB protection mechanism. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. Affects Android devices running vulnerable versions of the USB data protection component.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with physical access or malicious app could access sensitive USB data (including potentially authentication tokens, files, or credentials) while the screen is off, leading to complete device compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could exploit this to bypass USB data protection and access sensitive information that should be protected when the screen is locked.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls and timely patching, the risk is limited as exploitation requires local access and specific timing conditions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and precise timing due to race condition. No user interaction needed but attacker needs to trigger the condition when screen is off.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android 16 QPR2 security update (specific build number from bulletin)
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/android-16-qpr2
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android security updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install the latest security patch for Android 16 QPR2. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USB debugging
androidDisable USB debugging to reduce attack surface for USB-related vulnerabilities
Settings > System > Developer options > USB debugging (toggle off)
Enable screen lock with strong authentication
androidUse strong screen lock (PIN/pattern/password) to prevent unauthorized physical access
Settings > Security > Screen lock
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to devices and implement device loss/theft policies
- Monitor for suspicious USB activity and implement mobile device management (MDM) controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before February 2025 Android 16 QPR2 security update, device is likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows February 2025 or later Android 16 QPR2 update in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual USB access attempts when screen is off
- Multiple rapid USB state changes
- Access to protected USB data without proper authentication
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
android.security.usb.access OR usb.protection.violation OR screen.off.usb.activity