CVE-2025-48588 Privilege escalation in Android

High 7.8 Published Updated

A logic error in Android's Vpn.java allows local attackers to disable always-on VPN, leading to privilege escalation without user interaction.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Any signed-in user
Attackable
Local or same network only
Victim action needed
Not needed
Fix
Available

What is CVE-2025-48588?

CVE-2025-48588 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 8 Dec 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In startAlwaysOnVpn of Vpn.java, there is a possible way to disable always-on VPN due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.

Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-48588?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2025-48588?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2025-48588 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-48588 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-303408193, ASB-A-303408193, GHSA-q2pv-jm58-x567.

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