CVE-2025-48650: Google Android SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2025-48650 Overview

CVE-2025-48650 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting Google Android that allows information disclosure and local privilege escalation. The vulnerability exists in multiple locations within the Android operating system where user-controlled input is improperly sanitized before being used in SQL queries. Exploitation does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for affected devices.

Critical Impact

This SQL injection vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges locally on affected Android devices without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges.

Affected Products

• Google Android 14.0
• Google Android 15.0
• Google Android 16.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-02 - CVE CVE-2025-48650 published to NVD
• 2026-03-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48650

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper input validation in multiple locations within the Android operating system. The flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL commands through improperly sanitized input parameters. When exploited, the SQL injection can be leveraged to access sensitive information stored in local databases and escalate privileges on the affected device.

The attack can be performed locally without requiring any user interaction, which significantly increases the exploitability of this vulnerability. Since no additional execution privileges are needed, even applications with minimal permissions could potentially exploit this flaw to gain elevated access.

Root Cause

The root cause is a classic SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The affected components fail to properly sanitize or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows specially crafted input containing SQL metacharacters to modify the intended query logic.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker needs some form of local access to the device to exploit this vulnerability. The exploitation path involves:

1. An attacker identifies input fields or parameters that are passed to SQL queries without proper sanitization
2. Malicious SQL statements are crafted and injected through these input channels
3. The injected SQL modifies database queries to extract sensitive information or manipulate data
4. The disclosed information is leveraged to escalate privileges on the device

The vulnerability can be exploited without any user interaction, as the malicious input can be processed automatically by vulnerable system components. For detailed technical information, refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48650

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns or errors in system logs indicating SQL syntax issues
• Unexpected privilege changes for applications or processes
• Evidence of data extraction from protected system databases
• Anomalous application behavior attempting to access restricted resources

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for SQL error messages or unusual query patterns that may indicate injection attempts
• Implement application behavior monitoring to detect unauthorized privilege escalation
• Deploy mobile threat detection solutions that can identify exploitation attempts
• Review application permissions and access patterns for anomalous activity

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for database operations on Android devices in managed environments
• Deploy SentinelOne Mobile Threat Defense for real-time threat detection and behavioral analysis
• Establish baseline behavior patterns for critical system processes to detect anomalies
• Monitor for applications attempting to access data beyond their declared permissions

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48650

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the March 2026 Android Security Patch immediately on all affected devices
• Review and restrict application permissions on managed devices
• Enable SentinelOne protection for mobile devices to detect exploitation attempts
• Audit installed applications for potentially malicious software

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The security patch level 2026-03-01 or later contains the fix for this vulnerability. Device manufacturers should incorporate this patch into their firmware updates, and end users should apply updates as soon as they become available from their device vendors.

For official patch details and download information, refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Workarounds

• Limit installation of applications to trusted sources only (Google Play Store)
• Disable installation from unknown sources in device settings
• Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies
• Restrict applications with database access permissions on enterprise-managed devices

# Verify Android security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

# Check current Android version
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

# List installed packages for security review
adb shell pm list packages -f