CVE-2025-48632 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 14, 15, and 16, specifically within the setDisplayName method of the AssociationRequest.java component. The flaw stems from improper input validation that allows CDM (Content Decryption Module) associations to persist even after a user has disassociated them. This persistence can be exploited by a local attacker who already has limited privileges on the device to escalate their privileges without requiring additional execution rights or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), indicating that the root cause is failure to properly sanitize or validate inputs before processing. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access with low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level. The vulnerability could allow attackers to gain elevated access to system resources or sensitive data, potentially compromising device security and user privacy. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed as of December 8, 2025.

The vulnerability allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their access rights on affected Android devices, potentially gaining full control over the system. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modification or deletion of critical system files, and disruption of device functionality. The persistence of CDM associations beyond user disassociation could also undermine digital rights management and content protection mechanisms, affecting media security. Organizations relying on Android devices for sensitive communications or operations could face data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and operational disruptions. The lack of required user interaction and low complexity of exploitation increase the risk of widespread abuse once exploit code becomes available. The impact extends to both individual users and enterprises, particularly those in sectors with high mobile device usage such as finance, healthcare, and government.

Organizations and users should immediately verify if their devices run affected Android versions 14, 15, or 16 and monitor official Google security advisories for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-48632. Until patches are available, applying strict device access controls and limiting local user privileges can reduce exploitation risk. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could leverage this vulnerability. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for suspicious local activity indicating privilege escalation attempts. Developers should review and improve input validation in related code components to prevent similar issues. Security teams should prepare incident response plans for potential exploitation scenarios and educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation. Finally, consider upgrading to newer Android versions once patched releases are available.