CVE-2025-48558 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The root cause lies in multiple functions within BatteryService.java, where implicit intents intended for system apps can be hijacked due to insufficient validation or handling of these intents. Implicit intents in Android allow components to request actions without specifying the exact target component, relying on the system to resolve the best match. However, if an attacker can intercept or manipulate these intents, they can redirect them to malicious components, effectively hijacking the communication. This vulnerability falls under CWE-927 (Use of Implicit Intent for Sensitive Communication without Validation), which highlights risks when implicit intents are not properly secured. Exploiting this flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their access rights to higher system privileges without needing additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means an attacker who already has some access to the device can leverage this vulnerability to gain control over sensitive system functions, potentially compromising device confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the high impact and relatively low complexity of exploitation (local attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required but no user interaction). No patches or exploits are currently publicly known, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly by device manufacturers and users.

The impact of CVE-2025-48558 is significant for organizations and individuals using affected Android versions. Successful exploitation allows attackers to escalate privileges locally, potentially gaining control over system-level functions and sensitive data. This can lead to unauthorized access to confidential information, modification or deletion of critical system files, and disruption of device availability. For enterprises, compromised devices can serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of further malware. The lack of required user interaction increases the risk of stealthy exploitation, making detection and prevention more challenging. Given Android's widespread use in mobile devices globally, this vulnerability poses a broad risk to personal users, enterprises, and government agencies relying on Android devices for secure communications and operations.

1. Monitor official Google Android security bulletins and apply patches promptly once they become available for affected versions 13 through 16. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong device lock mechanisms and limiting physical or local network access to trusted users only. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies that limit installation of untrusted applications and monitor for suspicious behavior related to intent hijacking. 4. Developers should audit applications and system services that handle implicit intents, ensuring explicit intent usage or proper validation and permission checks to prevent hijacking. 5. Use runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous privilege escalation attempts on Android devices. 6. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources, which could exploit such vulnerabilities to escalate privileges. 7. Network segmentation and zero-trust principles can reduce the impact of compromised devices within organizational environments.