CVE-2025-48615: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
In getComponentName of MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java, there is a possible desync in persistence due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-48615 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically affecting versions 13 through 16. The flaw exists in the getComponentName method of the MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java component, where a possible desynchronization in persistence occurs due to resource exhaustion. This desync can cause inconsistent state handling within the system, which an attacker with local access can exploit to escalate their privileges without needing additional execution rights or user interaction. Essentially, a local attacker could leverage this flaw to gain higher privileges on the device, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or install persistent malicious components. The vulnerability does not require network access or user involvement, increasing its risk in environments where local access is possible. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in core Android components used widely across devices makes it a significant concern. The lack of a CVSS score and absence of patch links suggest that remediation is pending or in development. The technical root cause relates to resource exhaustion leading to state desynchronization, which is a subtle but impactful flaw in resource management within Android's media button handling logic.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily through devices running affected Android versions, which are common in enterprise mobile environments. An attacker with local access—such as a malicious insider, or someone who gains physical access to a device—could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, potentially compromising device integrity and confidentiality. This could lead to unauthorized access to corporate data, bypassing of security policies, or installation of persistent malware. The impact is heightened in sectors relying heavily on mobile devices for sensitive operations, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since exploitation does not require user interaction, automated or stealthy attacks are feasible once local access is obtained. The absence of network exploitation limits remote attack vectors but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or physical device theft. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, affecting BYOD policies and mobile workforce strategies.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should prepare to deploy patches promptly once Google releases them for the affected Android versions. Until patches are available, mitigating risk involves restricting physical and local access to devices, enforcing strong device authentication, and monitoring for unusual privilege escalations or local activity. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions should be configured to detect and respond to suspicious behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and implement policies to minimize exposure to local attackers. For critical environments, consider restricting the use of affected Android versions or isolating devices with sensitive data. Regular audits of device security posture and ensuring up-to-date OS versions will reduce the attack surface. Collaboration with vendors and security teams to track patch availability and threat intelligence updates is essential.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden
CVE-2025-48615: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
Description
In getComponentName of MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java, there is a possible desync in persistence due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-48615 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically affecting versions 13 through 16. The flaw exists in the getComponentName method of the MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java component, where a possible desynchronization in persistence occurs due to resource exhaustion. This desync can cause inconsistent state handling within the system, which an attacker with local access can exploit to escalate their privileges without needing additional execution rights or user interaction. Essentially, a local attacker could leverage this flaw to gain higher privileges on the device, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or install persistent malicious components. The vulnerability does not require network access or user involvement, increasing its risk in environments where local access is possible. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in core Android components used widely across devices makes it a significant concern. The lack of a CVSS score and absence of patch links suggest that remediation is pending or in development. The technical root cause relates to resource exhaustion leading to state desynchronization, which is a subtle but impactful flaw in resource management within Android's media button handling logic.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily through devices running affected Android versions, which are common in enterprise mobile environments. An attacker with local access—such as a malicious insider, or someone who gains physical access to a device—could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, potentially compromising device integrity and confidentiality. This could lead to unauthorized access to corporate data, bypassing of security policies, or installation of persistent malware. The impact is heightened in sectors relying heavily on mobile devices for sensitive operations, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Since exploitation does not require user interaction, automated or stealthy attacks are feasible once local access is obtained. The absence of network exploitation limits remote attack vectors but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or physical device theft. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, affecting BYOD policies and mobile workforce strategies.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should prepare to deploy patches promptly once Google releases them for the affected Android versions. Until patches are available, mitigating risk involves restricting physical and local access to devices, enforcing strong device authentication, and monitoring for unusual privilege escalations or local activity. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions should be configured to detect and respond to suspicious behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and implement policies to minimize exposure to local attackers. For critical environments, consider restricting the use of affected Android versions or isolating devices with sensitive data. Regular audits of device security posture and ensuring up-to-date OS versions will reduce the attack surface. Collaboration with vendors and security teams to track patch availability and threat intelligence updates is essential.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- google_android
- Date Reserved
- 2025-05-22T18:12:23.625Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6937058352c2eb5957f2f0e7
Added to database: 12/8/2025, 5:06:11 PM
Last enriched: 12/8/2025, 5:25:23 PM
Last updated: 12/11/2025, 6:57:23 AM
Views: 6
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