CVE-2025-48572: Google Android Framework privilege escalation via background activity launch

CVE-2025-48572 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2025-12-08

A vulnerability in the Android operating system allows malicious applications to bypass security permissions and launch background activities. This could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on a mobile device without any interaction from the user. This flaw is reportedly being exploited in the wild, posing a significant risk to user data and device integrity.

Technologies: Android Framework, Google Android. Vendors: Android, Google.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2025-48572 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2025-48572 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 2 December 2025. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2025-48572?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 8 December 2025.
Which products and versions are affected?
Google Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 16.0.
Is there a fix for CVE-2025-48572?
No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.
How is CVE-2025-48572 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2025-48572?
Check whether you run Android Framework or Google Android at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Technical details

A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Android Framework due to a permissions bypass in multiple locations that allows the launching of activities from the background. The flaw is categorized as a missing authentication for a critical function (CWE-306). An attacker with local access and low privileges can exploit this without any user interaction to achieve a full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects Android versions 13 through 16 and has been added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Patches are available through the December 2025 Android Security Bulletin.

Affected products

  • Google Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 16.0

Timeline

  • 2025-12-01: advisory: Vendor advisory published by Google
  • 2025-12-02: kev added: CISA added the vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
  • 2025-12-08: disclosed: NVD publication date

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