CVE-2025-48641 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 14 through 16-qpr2 involving a use-after-free condition in multiple functions of the Nfc.h component. The root cause is a race condition that leads to the premature freeing of memory while it is still in use, which can be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges without needing additional execution rights or user interaction. This vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to the device to manipulate the NFC subsystem to gain elevated privileges, potentially compromising system security. The absence of required user interaction and the lack of need for prior elevated privileges increase the risk of exploitation. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability is serious due to the potential for privilege escalation on widely used Android devices. The flaw affects core Android versions that are prevalent in many devices globally, emphasizing the need for timely patching. The technical details indicate the vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in March 2026, but no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling unauthorized privilege escalation, which could lead to further attacks or system compromise.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-48641 is local privilege escalation on affected Android devices, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system settings, or installation of persistent malware. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction or additional privileges, attackers with local access—such as malicious apps or users with limited device access—can exploit it to gain higher privileges. This can undermine device security, compromise user privacy, and potentially allow attackers to bypass security controls. The widespread use of Android globally means that a large number of devices are potentially vulnerable, affecting both consumer and enterprise environments. Organizations relying on Android devices for critical operations could face increased risk of data breaches, espionage, or disruption. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, including persistence mechanisms or lateral movement within networks.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48641, organizations and users should apply official security patches from Google as soon as they become available. Until patches are deployed, restrict local access to devices, especially limiting installation of untrusted applications that could exploit the NFC subsystem. Disable NFC functionality on devices where it is not required to reduce the attack surface. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor device behavior for suspicious activity related to NFC operations. Additionally, implement strict app permission controls to prevent unauthorized apps from accessing NFC features. Regularly update device firmware and operating systems to incorporate the latest security fixes. Security teams should also monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploit code or attack campaigns targeting this vulnerability.