CVE-2025-48595: Android Integer Overflow Local Privilege Escalation (CVSS 8.4)

Technical summary

The vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition (CWE-190) present in multiple locations within Android's codebase. When an integer calculation overflows, it can cause a buffer overflow or memory corruption condition that permits arbitrary code execution in a privileged context. The attack surface is local only, meaning the attacker must have some form of access to the target device. No special execution privileges are required to trigger the vulnerability, and exploitation does not depend on user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user or containerized Android environments.

Business impact

Organizations deploying Android devices across their infrastructure face immediate risk of privilege escalation attacks. Once exploited, an attacker can gain full control over the device, accessing sensitive data, installing malware, or using compromised devices as pivot points for lateral movement within corporate networks. The KEV status confirms this vulnerability is being actively exploited, elevating urgency for patch deployment. Unpatched Android deployments present a critical security posture weakness that auditors and compliance frameworks will scrutinize.

Affected systems

Google Android is affected across multiple locations in its codebase. The exact version ranges and specific Android components impacted should be verified against the official Android Security & Privacy Year in Review and Google's security bulletins. Organizations should inventory all Android devices in their environment and cross-reference them against vendor-specific patch guidance to determine exposure.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is highly exploitable due to its low attack complexity, lack of privilege requirements, and absence of user interaction triggers. The KEV addition confirms it is being actively weaponized. Any attacker with local device access—whether physical, via shared systems, or through a container escape—can trigger the integer overflow and escalate privileges. The attack is deterministic and does not depend on timing or environmental factors, making reliable exploitation feasible.

Remediation

Immediate patching is required for all affected Android devices. Organizations should prioritize devices with the highest business criticality and those handling sensitive data. Patch availability and version numbers should be confirmed through official Google Android security advisories. Consider interim mitigations such as restricting local access to Android devices, implementing device-level access controls, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Testing patches in a controlled environment before broad deployment is recommended to ensure compatibility with enterprise applications.

Patch guidance

Apply security updates released by Google for Android as soon as they become available for your device model and Android version. Verify patch version numbers and applicability through Google's official Android Security & Privacy pages and your device manufacturer's support portal. Organizations should establish a rapid deployment cadence for this vulnerability given its KEV status and active exploitation. Coordinate with device management teams to automate patching where possible, particularly for work-managed devices. Document patch deployment timelines and maintain records for compliance purposes.

Detection guidance

Monitor system logs for integer overflow exceptions, segmentation faults, or memory corruption events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Look for unexpected privilege escalation events tied to system processes. Implement file integrity monitoring on critical system binaries to detect post-exploitation modifications. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems should be configured to alert on patterns consistent with local privilege escalation. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions should be tuned to flag suspicious activity following process privilege changes. Review device access logs for unusual local authentication or session creation.

Why prioritize this

CVE-2025-48595 merits immediate prioritization due to its HIGH CVSS score (8.4), confirmed active exploitation (KEV status), and lack of exploitation barriers. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and no special privileges, making it particularly dangerous in any environment where untrusted or semi-trusted code can run locally. The integer overflow flaw is a classic, well-understood attack primitive, meaning security researchers and threat actors have comprehensive exploitation knowledge. Delays in patching substantially increase breach risk.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.4 reflects the severity of a local privilege escalation with complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The attack vector is local (AV:L), attack complexity is low (AC:L), no privileges are required (PR:N), user interaction is not needed (UI:N), and scope is unchanged (S:U). The high impact across all three pillars (C:H, I:H, A:H) drives the HIGH severity rating. The KEV status and confirmed active exploitation elevate real-world risk beyond the numerical score alone.

Frequently asked questions