CVE-2025-48595: Android Framework Integer Overflow — Privilege Escalation and Stalkerware Chains

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Overview

CVE-2025-48595 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the Android Framework component (system_server) that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to the system uid and execute arbitrary code, leading to further device compromise. Google patched this actively exploited zero-day in the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin. CISA added it to the KEV catalog on June 2, 2026, with a remediation deadline of June 23, 2026 for FCEB agencies. CVSS v3.1 base score: 7.8 (High).

Affected Versions

• Android 14 (all patch levels prior to 2026-06-01)
• Android 15 (all patch levels prior to 2026-06-01)
• Older Android versions may also be affected but are no longer receiving patches

Vulnerability Details

The flaw is an integer overflow in the Framework's IPC parcel handler for a specific system service interface. When a malicious application sends a crafted Binder transaction with an oversized array length field, the receiver computes an incorrect buffer size due to the overflow, allocating a smaller buffer than required. The subsequent write exceeds the buffer bounds, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow in system_server.

Exploitation has been observed in the wild primarily as a component of multi-stage attack chains, used after an initial code execution primitive to escalate from a sandboxed app to system-level access, enabling installation of persistent stalkerware or credential-stealing malware.

Attack Chain (Observed in Wild)

1. Stage 1 – Initial access: Victim installs a malicious app (distributed outside Google Play) or an app with a WebView RCE vulnerability is exploited via malicious web content.
2. Stage 2 – LPE via CVE-2025-48595: The malicious app sends a crafted Binder IPC message to system_server, triggering the integer overflow and gaining code execution in the system uid context.
3. Stage 3 – Persistence: With system uid access, the malware installs a device administrator package and writes to protected directories, achieving persistence across reboots.
4. Stage 4 – Data exfiltration: Accesses SMS/call logs, contacts, location, and app data stores not accessible to normal apps.

IOCs

• Device admin packages installed outside normal MDM enrollment flow
• Apps with android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES acquired post-install via exploit
• Network connections to known stalkerware C2 infrastructure from system uid processes
• Unusual SELinux denials followed immediately by policy changes in device logs

Remediation

# 1. Apply the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin patch.
#    Check current patch level: Settings → About Phone → Android Security Patch Level
#    Required: 2026-06-01 or 2026-06-05 security patch level

# 2. For enterprise Android devices (via MDM):
#    Push the June 2026 security update via your EMM/MDM solution immediately.
#    Zero Trust / high-risk devices: Consider temporary quarantine until patched.

# 3. Check for indicators of compromise on rooted/admin devices:
adb shell pm list packages -d   # Look for disabled/suspicious device admin packages
adb shell dumpsys devicepolicy  # Review active device administrators

# 4. Enable Google Play Protect (blocks known malicious apps):
adb shell am broadcast -a com.google.android.finsky.action.REBUILD_LIBRARY

# 5. Organizations using Android in high-security environments:
#    Apply patch within 72 hours given active exploitation; follow CISA BOD 22-01.

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