CVE-2025-48564 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16, characterized by a race condition that leads to an intent filter bypass in multiple locations within the operating system. An intent filter in Android defines how apps respond to intents (messages requesting actions), and bypassing these filters can allow unauthorized access to components or escalate privileges. The root cause is a race condition (CWE-362), where concurrent operations on intent filters are improperly synchronized, enabling an attacker to exploit timing windows to bypass security checks. This flaw allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges without requiring additional execution rights or any user interaction, significantly lowering the barrier to exploitation. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker could gain elevated access to sensitive data, modify system settings, or disrupt device operations. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0 (high), reflecting local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized quickly once details become widely known. The absence of patches at the time of reporting necessitates proactive mitigation. This vulnerability is critical for Android devices globally, given the widespread use of affected versions and the potential for local attackers to gain elevated privileges stealthily.

The impact of CVE-2025-48564 is significant for organizations and individuals relying on Android devices running versions 13 through 16. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges without user interaction or additional execution rights, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of device functionality, and undermining of device integrity. For enterprises, this could mean exposure of corporate data on mobile devices, unauthorized access to enterprise apps, and lateral movement within corporate networks. The vulnerability also poses risks to critical infrastructure sectors that depend on Android devices for operational technology or mobile workforce connectivity. The high attack complexity somewhat limits exploitation to skilled attackers who can execute precise timing attacks, but the lack of user interaction requirement increases risk in environments where local access is possible. The broad market penetration of Android amplifies the potential scale of impact worldwide.

1. Apply official security patches from Google or device manufacturers immediately once available to address the race condition and intent filter bypass. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and limiting app installations to trusted sources only. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app permissions, preventing untrusted apps from exploiting intent filters. 4. Use runtime application self-protection (RASP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile devices to detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of applying updates promptly. 6. Implement strict app sandboxing and verify that apps do not request unnecessary privileges that could be leveraged in exploitation. 7. Monitor device logs for unusual intent-related activities or race condition exploitation patterns. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical mobile devices from sensitive enterprise resources to limit lateral movement post-exploitation.