CVE Alert: CVE-2025-48543 – Google – Android

Risk verdict

Active exploitation is indicated; urgent remediation is required due to local privilege escalation with no user interaction.

Why this matters

Successful exploit escapes the Chrome sandbox to compromise system_server, risking full device takeover, data exposure, and persistence across Android. The high base score and total impact flag substantial business risk for both corporate and consumer devices.

Most likely attack path

Local attacker with low privileges and no user interaction can exploit a use-after-free condition to escape the Chrome sandbox and gain control of system_server, enabling further lateral compromise within the device.

Who is most exposed

Devices running affected Android versions (13–16) that have not received the latest security patch; particularly organisations with BYOD or unmanaged fleets and consumer devices lacking timely updates.

Detection ideas

• Unscheduled system_server crashes or restarts with memory corruption signatures.
• Anomalous IPC patterns between the Chrome sandbox and system_server.
• Increased privilege-escalation attempts or memory-related errors in system logs.
• Unusual post-exploitation activity on device, such as persistence indicators or unusual process spawning.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply the latest Android security patch from Google/OEM promptly per the September 2025 bulletin.
• Implement strict patch management and device compliance checks; isolate or quarantine non-compliant devices.
• Enable enhanced sandbox hardening and verify SELinux/App sandbox policies; restrict privileged IPC where feasible.
• Monitor for exploitation indicators and incident-response readiness; tighten change-management for deployment of updates.
• If KEV or EPSS indicators become available, reassess to treat as priority 1. (Data currently does not confirm KEV or EPSS ≥ 0.5.)