CVE-2025-48599 Overview
CVE-2025-48599 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Android Settings application. The flaw resides in multiple functions of WifiScanModeActivity.java, where a missing permission check allows a local attacker to bypass a device configuration restriction. Google addressed the issue in the December 2025 Android Security Bulletin. The vulnerability affects Android 13 and Android 14. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges but no user interaction, making it a viable target for malicious applications already installed on the device.
Critical Impact
A local application with low privileges can bypass Wi-Fi scan mode device configuration restrictions and escalate privileges without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Android Settings package (packages/apps/Settings)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin
- 2025-12-08 - CVE-2025-48599 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48599
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a Missing Authorization weakness ([CWE-862]) in the WifiScanModeActivity class of the Android Settings application. This activity manages the Wi-Fi scanning mode configuration on the device. Multiple entry point functions accept requests to change scan mode state without validating that the calling process holds the required permission.
Because the activity is reachable by other applications on the device, a local malicious app can invoke these code paths through standard Android Intent mechanisms. The bypass grants access to functionality that should be restricted by device configuration policy, resulting in local escalation of privilege. The exploit runs entirely within the caller's existing privilege boundary and does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing permission check in WifiScanModeActivity.java. The affected functions do not verify that the invoking caller holds the appropriate Android permission before honoring the requested scan mode change. As a result, the device configuration restriction guarding the setting is enforced only by the caller's assumed trust, not by an actual authorization check.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. A malicious application installed on the device sends a crafted Intent to the vulnerable WifiScanModeActivity component. Because no permission is enforced, the activity performs the privileged action on behalf of the untrusted caller. Refer to the Android Settings code change for the specific functions and permission check added by Google.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48599
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Intent activity targeting com.android.settings/.wifi.WifiScanModeActivity originating from third-party applications.
- Wi-Fi scan mode configuration changes not tied to user interaction with the Settings UI.
- Installed applications requesting or invoking Wi-Fi-related components without corresponding runtime permissions.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile telemetry for Intents dispatched to Settings activities from non-system UIDs.
- Alert on Android build fingerprints that remain on pre-December 2025 patch levels in managed device inventories.
- Correlate installed application permission manifests against runtime behavior targeting Wi-Fi subsystem components.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track the Android ro.build.version.security_patch property across your mobile fleet and flag devices below 2025-12-01.
- Ingest Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) or MDM logs into your SIEM to correlate app installation events with vulnerable OS versions.
- Review sideloaded application activity on Android 13 and Android 14 devices for interactions with system Settings components.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48599
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the December 2025 Android security patch (security patch level 2025-12-01 or later) to all Android 13 and Android 14 devices.
- Enforce minimum patch level compliance through your Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform to block non-compliant devices from corporate resources.
- Audit installed applications on managed devices and remove untrusted or sideloaded applications with unnecessary access.
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin December 2025. The upstream Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source change is available in the Android Settings code change. Device manufacturers ship the fix via their monthly OTA update process, so end-user availability depends on the vendor.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of third-party applications to Google Play or approved enterprise stores until the patch is applied.
- Disable installation from unknown sources on Android 13 and Android 14 devices through MDM policy.
- Isolate unpatched devices from sensitive corporate networks and data until they receive the December 2025 security patch level.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
