CVE-2025-48593: Google Android RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-48593 Overview

CVE-2025-48593 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android Bluetooth stack, specifically within the bta_hf_client_cb_init function of bta_hf_client_main.cc. The flaw affects the Hands-Free Client (HFP) component used to manage Bluetooth audio profiles. An attacker within Bluetooth range can trigger the memory corruption to achieve remote code execution without user interaction. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-416] and was addressed in the Android Security Bulletin November 2025.

Critical Impact
An adjacent attacker can execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable Android device without user interaction or elevated privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

Google Android 13
Google Android 14
Google Android 15
Google Android 16

Discovery Timeline

2025-11-18 - CVE-2025-48593 published to NVD
2025-11-01 - Google releases fix in the Android Security Bulletin
2025-11-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48593

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the bta_hf_client_cb_init routine inside bta_hf_client_main.cc, part of the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) client implementation. This component initializes control blocks that manage HFP client sessions between an Android device and paired Bluetooth peripherals such as car audio systems and headsets.

A use-after-free condition occurs when the control block memory is released while still referenced by another execution path. When the Bluetooth stack subsequently dereferences the stale pointer, an attacker who controls the freed memory layout can redirect execution flow. The flaw maps to [CWE-416] (Use After Free) and the patch was published through the Android open-source project commits referenced in the Android Bluetooth Change Log and the Android Bluetooth Update Commit.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper lifetime management of the HFP client control block. The bta_hf_client_cb_init function reinitializes or releases structures whose references remain live in concurrent Bluetooth callbacks. When a subsequent operation accesses the freed object, the corrupted memory enables attacker-controlled writes or function-pointer hijacking.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires adjacent network access over Bluetooth. An attacker within radio range of a vulnerable device sends crafted HFP protocol messages that drive the client state machine through the vulnerable code path. No user interaction is required. The attacker needs only low privileges, consistent with the ability to initiate or respond to Bluetooth HFP connections.

No public proof-of-concept code or exploit is available at this time. Refer to the Android Bluetooth Update Commit for the patched source.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48593

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes or tombstone files referencing bta_hf_client_main.cc or the com.android.bluetooth process.
Bluetooth service restarts or HFP profile disconnections that correlate with proximity of unknown Bluetooth devices.
Anomalous outbound network connections from a device shortly after Bluetooth pairing or audio profile activity.

Detection Strategies

Monitor Android logcat output for crashes in the Bluetooth HFP client component, including SIGSEGV signals tied to use-after-free patterns.
Inspect mobile threat telemetry for unauthorized Bluetooth pairing attempts and HFP traffic from untrusted devices.
Correlate device security patch level against the November 2025 Android Security Bulletin to flag unpatched fleet endpoints.

Monitoring Recommendations

Collect and centralize Android crash reports to identify recurring Bluetooth stack faults across managed devices.
Track Bluetooth radio activity in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive data, particularly in public or shared spaces.
Enroll managed Android devices in mobile device management (MDM) and alert on devices reporting patch levels older than 2025-11-01.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48593

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Android security patch level 2025-11-01 or later to all affected Android 13, 14, 15, and 16 devices.
Disable Bluetooth on devices that cannot receive the November 2025 patch, particularly in untrusted environments.
Unpair unknown or unused Bluetooth devices and audit paired HFP peripherals across the fleet.

Patch Information

Google fixed the vulnerability in the November 2025 Android security bulletin. Source-level changes are available in the Android Bluetooth Change Log and the Android Bluetooth Update Commit. Device manufacturers distribute the fix through carrier and OEM update channels. Confirm patch deployment by checking the device build property for security patch level 2025-11-01 or newer.

Workarounds

Restrict Bluetooth discoverability and disable the radio when not in use, especially in public spaces where adjacent attackers may be present.
Enforce MDM policies that disable Bluetooth on managed Android devices until vendor patches are confirmed installed.
Avoid pairing with untrusted Bluetooth peripherals and remove stale pairings that are no longer required.

bash

# Check the Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for patched devices: 2025-11-01 or later