CVE-2025-48544 Overview
CVE-2025-48544 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting multiple locations in the Android operating system. The flaw allows a local, low-privileged application to read files belonging to other applications by injecting SQL statements into vulnerable database queries. Successful exploitation results in local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.
Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin dated March 2026. The vulnerability is tracked as CWE-89, SQL Injection, and affects Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16.
Critical Impact
A malicious local application can read files owned by other apps, breaking Android's inter-app sandbox isolation and leading to local privilege escalation.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0 and 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-48544 published to NVD
- 2026-03-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48544
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability originates in multiple Android components that construct SQL queries by concatenating untrusted input into query strings. Because these queries execute in the context of a higher-privileged process or content provider, injected SQL statements can access data outside the caller's sandbox.
Android isolates applications through per-UID data directories and enforces access through content providers and system services. When a system component performs a SELECT or similar operation using unsanitized attacker-controlled parameters, the injected clause can pivot the query to reference paths or rows tied to other applications. This effectively bypasses Android's discretionary access controls on file resources.
The attack does not require user interaction. A local application with standard install-time permissions can trigger the vulnerable code path through normal inter-process communication (IPC) with the affected provider or service.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89). Vulnerable code paths build queries using string concatenation instead of parameterized statements or SQLiteQueryBuilder with strict projection maps and selection argument binding.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. A malicious application installed on the device issues crafted arguments (selection clauses, sort orders, or projection parameters) to a vulnerable content provider or service. The injected SQL alters the query semantics, allowing the attacker to enumerate or exfiltrate file references and content belonging to other applications. The Android Security Bulletin identifies the impact as local escalation of privilege with confidentiality, integrity, and availability all affected in the private data of victim applications.
Because no verified public exploit code is available, technical specifics of the vulnerable methods are only documented in the vendor bulletin. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026 for the list of affected components and patch commits.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48544
Indicators of Compromise
- Installed applications making repeated or unusual queries to system content providers with anomalous selection or sortOrder arguments containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION, or ;.
- Unexpected read access, from a non-privileged UID, to file paths owned by other application UIDs recorded in SELinux or audit logs.
- Applications requesting content provider URIs that are not part of their documented functionality.
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review logd and dropbox records for SQLiteException traces and malformed query arguments originating from third-party packages.
- Use static analysis on installed APKs to flag callers that build dynamic Uri queries with concatenated user input.
- Correlate mobile threat defense telemetry against the list of Android build fingerprints marked as vulnerable in the March 2026 bulletin.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track the Android security patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and alert on devices below 2026-03-01.
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) inventory for devices running Android 13 through 16 without the March 2026 patch applied.
- Ingest mobile endpoint telemetry into a centralized data lake to detect anomalous IPC patterns between apps and system providers.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48544
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2026-03-01 or later on all managed devices running Android 13, 14, 15, or 16.
- Prioritize patch rollout for devices that handle sensitive corporate data, credentials, or regulated information.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM policies and enforce Google Play Protect scanning.
Patch Information
Google released fixes for CVE-2025-48544 in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026. Device manufacturers ship the corresponding patches as part of their monthly security updates. Verify installation by confirming the security patch level reported by the device is 2026-03-01 or later.
Workarounds
- No official workaround is documented by the vendor; patching is the supported remediation.
- Reduce risk by removing sideloaded applications and limiting installations to vetted sources.
- Enforce work-profile separation so that sensitive enterprise data resides in a managed profile isolated from personal applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
