CVE-2025-48609 Overview
CVE-2025-48609 is a path traversal vulnerability affecting Google Android's MmsProvider component. The flaw exists in multiple functions of MmsProvider.java, where improper input validation allows attackers to arbitrarily delete files that affect telephony, SMS, and MMS functionalities. This vulnerability could lead to local denial of service without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.
Critical Impact
This path traversal vulnerability enables arbitrary file deletion affecting core telephony services, potentially rendering SMS and MMS functionality completely inoperable on affected Android devices.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Google Android 16.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-02 - CVE-2025-48609 published to NVD
- 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-48609
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from a path traversal error in the MmsProvider content provider, a core Android system component responsible for managing multimedia messaging data. The flaw allows malicious applications or processes to craft specially formatted file paths that escape the intended directory boundaries, enabling deletion of arbitrary files on the device.
The attack does not require elevated privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous. Any application with access to the MmsProvider content provider interface could potentially trigger the vulnerability. The impact primarily affects system integrity and availability, as critical telephony-related files can be removed, disrupting SMS, MMS, and general telephony functionality.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper path validation in multiple functions within MmsProvider.java. The affected code fails to properly sanitize file path inputs, allowing directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to be processed. This enables attackers to reference files outside the intended MMS data directories, bypassing access controls that should restrict file operations to designated storage locations.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over a network vector with low attack complexity. An attacker can craft malicious requests to the MmsProvider content provider that include path traversal sequences. When processed, these requests cause the system to delete files outside the MMS storage directory, targeting critical telephony configuration files or data stores. The attack requires no user interaction and no special privileges, making automated exploitation feasible.
The attack flow typically involves:
- Identifying the MmsProvider content URI endpoints
- Crafting requests with directory traversal sequences in file path parameters
- Triggering file deletion operations that escape the intended directory scope
- Causing denial of service by removing files critical to telephony operations
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48609
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected deletion of files in /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/ or related telephony directories
- SMS and MMS application crashes or failure to send/receive messages
- Telephony service restarts or failures logged in system logs
- Anomalous content provider access patterns targeting MmsProvider URIs
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs for unusual MmsProvider access patterns or file operation errors
- Implement file integrity monitoring on critical telephony directories
- Review application permissions for unnecessary access to telephony content providers
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying path traversal attack patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for content provider operations during incident investigation
- Configure alerts for unexpected file deletions in system data directories
- Monitor for applications making excessive or unusual calls to MmsProvider interfaces
- Track telephony service stability metrics to detect potential exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48609
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin patches immediately
- Review installed applications for suspicious behavior targeting telephony providers
- Consider restricting application permissions pending patch deployment
- Back up critical device data to enable recovery if exploitation occurs
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026. Device manufacturers should integrate these patches into their firmware updates, and end users should apply updates as soon as they become available from their device vendors.
Workarounds
- Limit installation of applications from untrusted sources until patches are applied
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce application whitelisting
- Monitor device behavior for signs of telephony service disruption
- Consider factory reset and restoration from backup if compromise is suspected
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
