CVE-2025-48633 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in Google Android systems. This vulnerability allows for local escalation of privilege due to a logic error in the hasAccountsOnAnyUser function of DevicePolicyManagerService.java. With a CVSS score of 5.5, the importance of addressing this issue cannot be overlooked, as it poses a risk to the integrity of user access controls.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized modifications to device settings and access to sensitive data, compromising user privacy and security. Notably, the vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for Android deployments.
Given its critical exploitability status and the fact that it has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. It is vital to remain vigilant and proactive in applying available updates to mitigate this risk.
The vulnerability was published on December 8, 2025, and organizations using affected versions of Android should act swiftly to address potential security threats.
Vulnerability Details
In detail, CVE-2025-48633 stems from a logic error within the hasAccountsOnAnyUser method, which allows for the addition of a Device Owner post-provisioning without the necessary permissions. This vulnerability can be exploited locally, emphasizing the need for effective access controls in software development and deployment.
The CVSS score of 5.5 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity, indicating a moderate risk that should be addressed promptly. Affected products include Android versions 13.0 through 16.0, and organizations must ensure they are running the latest patches provided by Google.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the logic error present in the hasAccountsOnAnyUser function. Attackers can exploit this flaw through a local attack vector, as it requires low attack complexity and low privileges. Importantly, no user interaction is needed for the exploitation to take place.
The impacts of this vulnerability include high confidentiality impact, as unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive information. However, there are no integrity or availability impacts associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations utilizing Google Android. The potential for unauthorized access to device settings and sensitive user data is alarming. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges locally, which can lead to broader implications for user privacy and security.
The urgency for organizations is high due to the inclusion of this vulnerability in the KEV catalog. Organizations should address this issue in their priority patch cycle to limit the potential blast radius and safeguard against unauthorized access.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Google Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. Organizations should ensure their systems are updated to the latest versions as per vendor recommendations to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2025-48633, organizations must apply the latest security patches provided by Google. In the event that patches are unavailable, organizations should implement configuration hardening and monitoring measures to detect any unauthorized access attempts. For further insights, organizations may refer to penetration testing services to evaluate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activities related to device provisioning and management. Behavioral anomalies such as unauthorized changes to device settings or addition of device owners without proper authorization should be flagged. Additionally, network signatures that indicate exploitation attempts should be analyzed to enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-48633 highlights the importance of rigorous testing and validation in software development. This vulnerability represents a pattern where logic errors can lead to critical security issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive code reviews and testing methodologies.
Security teams should take lessons from this incident to enhance their development practices and ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated promptly. Implementing a strong vulnerability management program can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further reading on effective security practices, organizations can review the vulnerability management program and the importance of penetration testing methodology in identifying weaknesses.
As organizations continue to enhance their security measures, they should remain aware of emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The proactive approach in addressing vulnerabilities such as CVE-2025-48633 can serve as a strong defense against potential exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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