CVE-2025-48587 Overview
CVE-2025-48587 is an Improper Input Validation vulnerability affecting multiple functions within ProfilingService.java on Google Android devices. This flaw enables a persistent denial of service condition through improper handling of user-supplied input. The vulnerability can be exploited locally without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning for Android device security.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability enables persistent denial of service attacks on Android devices, potentially rendering device functionality unusable until remediation is applied.
Affected Products
- Google Android 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-02 - CVE-2025-48587 published to NVD
- 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48587
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ProfilingService.java component of Google Android. The ProfilingService is responsible for managing system profiling operations, and flawed validation logic in multiple functions allows malicious input to trigger a persistent denial of service condition.
The local attack vector means an attacker would need some form of access to the target device, either through a malicious application or direct device access. However, once exploited, the denial of service condition persists, potentially requiring a device reset or patch application to restore normal functionality.
The vulnerability requires no special privileges to exploit, significantly lowering the barrier for potential attackers. Combined with the lack of user interaction requirement, this creates a scenario where a malicious app could silently trigger the vulnerability without alerting the device owner.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). Multiple functions within ProfilingService.java fail to properly validate input parameters before processing them. This validation gap allows crafted input to cause the service to enter a persistent error state, resulting in denial of service that survives normal recovery attempts.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted locally on the Android device. An attacker could package exploit code within a malicious application that, once installed and executed, triggers the vulnerability in the ProfilingService component. The exploitation does not require elevated privileges, meaning any application running with standard permissions could potentially trigger the vulnerability.
The vulnerability manifests when malformed data is passed to the affected functions in ProfilingService.java. Without proper validation checks, this data causes the service to fail in a way that creates a persistent denial of service condition. Technical details regarding the specific exploitation mechanism can be found in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48587
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of system services related to profiling functionality
- Persistent device slowdowns or unresponsive behavior in Android system services
- Application logs showing repeated failures in ProfilingService.java related functions
- System logs indicating input validation errors or exceptions in the profiling subsystem
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs for abnormal behavior patterns in ProfilingService operations
- Implement application-level monitoring to detect unauthorized attempts to interact with system profiling services
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting Android system services
- Review installed applications for suspicious permissions or behaviors targeting system components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for Android system services to capture potential exploitation attempts
- Implement alerting on repeated ProfilingService failures or crashes
- Monitor for unusual application behavior that may indicate denial of service exploitation attempts
- Regularly audit device health metrics for signs of persistent service degradation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48587
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the March 2026 Android security patch as soon as it becomes available for your device
- Review installed applications and remove any untrusted or suspicious apps
- Limit installation of applications from unknown sources
- Consider implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions for enterprise environments to enforce security policies
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers and carriers will release patches according to their respective update schedules. Users should check with their device manufacturer for patch availability and apply updates immediately when available. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026 for detailed patch information.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installations to trusted sources only (Google Play Store)
- Implement device-level security policies to limit application access to system services
- Monitor device behavior for signs of exploitation and perform factory reset if persistent denial of service is observed
- For enterprise deployments, enforce application whitelisting to prevent potentially malicious apps from being installed
# Android device security configuration recommendations
# Enable verification of apps from Play Store
adb shell settings put global package_verifier_enable 1
# Check current security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
