CVE-2025-48544 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 14, 15, and 16 that allows local elevation of privilege through SQL injection. The flaw exists in multiple locations within the Android operating system where SQL queries are constructed insecurely, permitting an attacker with limited privileges to manipulate these queries to read files belonging to other applications. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection), indicating that unsanitized input is used directly in SQL statements. Exploitation does not require user interaction, making it easier for attackers to leverage once local access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass Android's sandboxing mechanisms, access sensitive data from other apps, and potentially modify or delete critical files, severely compromising device security and user privacy. The absence of patches at the time of reporting emphasizes the need for prompt remediation once fixes are released.

The vulnerability enables attackers with limited local privileges to escalate their access rights by exploiting SQL injection flaws to read and potentially manipulate files belonging to other applications. This breaks the fundamental Android app sandboxing model, risking exposure of sensitive user data such as credentials, personal information, and confidential app data. The integrity of apps and system components may be compromised if attackers modify files or inject malicious content. Availability could also be affected if critical files are deleted or corrupted. Organizations relying on Android devices for sensitive operations, including enterprises and government agencies, face risks of data breaches, espionage, and operational disruption. The widespread use of affected Android versions globally means a large attack surface, increasing the likelihood of targeted attacks, especially in environments where devices are shared or less physically secure.

Organizations and users should monitor for official security updates from Google and apply patches immediately upon release to remediate this vulnerability. Until patches are available, limiting local access to devices by enforcing strong physical security and device lock policies can reduce exploitation risk. Developers should audit any custom Android builds or apps for unsafe SQL query constructions and implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. Employing runtime application self-protection (RASP) and enhanced monitoring to detect anomalous local access or file read attempts can provide early warnings. Additionally, restricting app permissions to the minimum necessary and using Android’s security features such as SELinux policies can help contain potential exploitation. Enterprises should consider mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and quickly deploy updates.