CVE-2025-48632
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's AssociationRequest.java allows persistent CDM (Content Decryption Module) associations after user disassociation due to improper input validation. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. Affects Android devices with vulnerable versions of the framework.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains persistent elevated privileges on the device, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system settings, or installing malicious components.
Likely Case
Local attacker maintains unauthorized access to decryption modules, potentially bypassing content protection mechanisms or accessing protected media.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; without patching, risk is limited to attackers with physical or local access to the device.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no user interaction; complexity is medium due to need for understanding Android framework internals.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Android Security Bulletin 2025-12-01 for specific patch versions
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Android Security Bulletin for your device's patch level. 2. Apply the December 2025 security patch through standard Android update mechanisms. 3. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No effective workarounds
allThis is a framework-level vulnerability requiring patching; no configuration changes or commands can mitigate it.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to devices
- Monitor for suspicious app behavior and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android build fingerprint or security patch level; if before December 2025 patch, likely vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprintVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level includes December 2025 updates via Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected CDM association persistence logs
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'AssociationRequest' AND 'setDisplayName' anomalies in Android system logs