CVE-2025-48583 Overview
CVE-2025-48583 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Android operating system. The flaw resides in multiple functions of BaseBundle.java, a core component of the Android framework used for inter-process data serialization. A logic error in the code allows arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. Google addressed the issue in the December 2025 Android Security Bulletin. The vulnerability affects Android 14, 15, and 16, making it relevant across the majority of the supported Android install base.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can execute arbitrary code and escalate to higher-privileged contexts on affected Android devices without any user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Google Android 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-01 - Fix published in the Android Security Bulletin for December 2025
- 2025-12-08 - CVE-2025-48583 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48583
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is located in BaseBundle.java, part of the Android frameworks/base codebase. BaseBundle is the parent class of Bundle and PersistableBundle, both of which act as key-value containers used extensively for passing structured data between Android components through Intents, Parcels, and Binder IPC.
A logic error across multiple functions allows the deserialization or unparcel logic to be manipulated in a way that leads to arbitrary code execution in the receiving process. Because system services and privileged applications commonly receive Bundle objects from lower-privileged callers, a malformed bundle can be used to cross a privilege boundary. Exploitation results in local elevation of privilege with no additional execution privileges and no user interaction required.
Root Cause
The root cause is a logic error in BaseBundle.java affecting how bundle contents are handled during processing. The upstream fix is tracked in Android commit 02751bc65824a3877bdc21d865cd801b5e9f5e6c in the platform/frameworks/base repository. The specific weakness has not been assigned a public CWE mapping ([NVD-CWE-noinfo]).
Attack Vector
An attacker requires local access with low privileges, typically achieved through a malicious application installed on the device. The malicious app crafts a Bundle or PersistableBundle payload and delivers it to a higher-privileged component through Intents or Binder calls. When the target parses the payload, the logic flaw causes attacker-controlled behavior in the privileged context. See the Android Source Code Reference for the specific code changes.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48583
Indicators of Compromise
- Applications requesting unusual sets of permissions or invoking system services with malformed Bundle extras
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of system_server or other privileged Android processes tied to bundle unparceling
- Newly installed sideloaded APKs from unknown sources followed by anomalous privileged process behavior
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for devices running Android 14, 15, or 16 without the December 2025 security patch level
- Inspect application manifests and runtime behavior for apps that construct nested or oversized Bundle objects targeted at system components
- Correlate crash logs from logcat and tombstones referencing BaseBundle, Parcel, or unparcel methods
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce a minimum Android security patch level of 2025-12-01 or later as a compliance policy in MDM
- Track application installation events on managed devices and flag apps installed from untrusted sources
- Aggregate mobile telemetry into a central analytics platform to surface anomalous privileged-process activity across the fleet
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48583
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the December 2025 Android security patch (patch level 2025-12-01 or later) to all devices running Android 14, 15, or 16
- Restrict installation of applications from unknown sources on managed devices
- Audit installed applications and remove untrusted or unnecessary third-party apps
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Android Security Bulletin December 2025. The source-level fix is available in commit 02751bc65824a3877bdc21d865cd801b5e9f5e6c in the Android frameworks/base repository. Device manufacturers integrate the fix into their own OTA update streams, so administrators should track OEM patch availability in addition to the AOSP fix.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching to the December 2025 security level is required
- Reduce attack surface by limiting sideloading through MDM policy and Google Play Protect enforcement
- Isolate sensitive workloads on devices confirmed to be running a patched security level
# Verify the Android security patch level on a device via adb
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for patched devices: 2025-12-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
