IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2025-48543|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Android Runtime Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Android Runtime contains a use-after-free vulnerability potentially allowing a chrome sandbox escape leading to local privilege escalation.

Published Sep 4, 2025 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2025-09-25 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability in Android Runtime. In multiple locations, there is a possible way to escape chrome sandbox to attack android system_server due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running android: 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 16.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2025-09-04 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2025-09-25.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/2025-09-01
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-48543
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2025-48543
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