CVE-2025-48533 Overview
CVE-2025-48533 is a race condition vulnerability [CWE-362] affecting Google Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The flaw exists in multiple locations where a context menu of a lockscreen app links to other apps. An attacker with local access can exploit the timing window to launch apps that should be gated by the lockscreen. Successful exploitation results in local elevation of privilege without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can bypass lockscreen restrictions to access privileged app functionality on Android 13 through 16 devices, leading to elevation of privilege on the target device.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Google Android 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-48533 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2025-08-01 - Fix included in the Android Security Bulletin August 2025
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48533
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a race condition [CWE-362] present in multiple locations across the Android platform that handle lockscreen context menus. Lockscreen apps expose context menus that can link to other applications on the device. A timing gap between the launch decision and the enforcement of lockscreen restrictions creates an exploitable window. An attacker who wins the race can invoke linked apps in a context where lockscreen policies should have blocked access. Because the flaw resides in shared platform code, it spans four major Android releases from Android 13 through Android 16.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper synchronization between the code path that presents lockscreen context menu options and the code path that enforces lockscreen protection on the resulting activity launch. The check-and-use sequence is not atomic, producing a Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) condition. Under the right timing conditions, the launched app runs outside the intended lockscreen restrictions.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to an unlocked or partially locked device state where the lockscreen context menu is reachable. The attack complexity is high because it depends on winning a narrow timing window, and low privileges are sufficient. No user interaction is required once the attacker has physical or local access to trigger the racing operations. A successful exploit yields elevated access to app functionality that would normally be restricted while the device is locked.
No public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin August 2025 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48533
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected app launches or activity transitions initiated from the lockscreen while the device is reported as locked.
- System logs showing rapid successive intents originating from lockscreen UI components followed by activities that should require unlock.
- Mobile device management (MDM) telemetry reporting Android security patch level older than the August 2025 bulletin.
Detection Strategies
- Use MDM or Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) tooling to identify devices running Android 13 through 16 without the 2025-08-01 patch level applied.
- Monitor Android logcat and activity manager events for activity starts that occur in the presence of an active KeyguardManager state.
- Correlate lockscreen state transitions with app launch telemetry to identify anomalous sequences suggesting a race condition trigger.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce compliance policies that quarantine devices missing the August 2025 or later Android security patch level.
- Ingest mobile device audit logs into a central SIEM or data lake for behavioral analysis of lockscreen bypass attempts.
- Alert on repeated rapid interactions with lockscreen notifications or widgets that could indicate race exploitation attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48533
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2025-08-01 or later to all managed devices running Android 13, 14, 15, or 16.
- Prioritize patching for devices used by high-value users or those with sensitive corporate data at rest.
- Restrict physical access to unattended devices until patches are deployed enterprise-wide.
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2025-48533 in the August 2025 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers integrate the fix into their monthly security patch level 2025-08-01. Consult the Android Security Bulletin August 2025 for source references and the list of affected components. End users should install carrier and OEM updates as soon as they become available.
Workarounds
- Disable lockscreen widgets, notifications, and quick-access shortcuts that expose context menus to unauthenticated users.
- Configure MDM policies to enforce short screen timeout and require re-authentication for all app launches from the lockscreen.
- Where operationally feasible, block use of Android 13–16 devices without the August 2025 patch until updates are installed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
