CVE-2025-48543: 
NixOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-48543 is a critical vulnerability discovered in the Android Runtime component that affects multiple versions of the Android operating system (versions 13 through 16). The vulnerability was disclosed on September 4, 2025, and has been confirmed to be actively exploited in limited, targeted attacks. This use-after-free vulnerability allows attackers to escape the Chrome sandbox and attack the Android system_server (NVD, Help Net Security).

The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free (CWE-416) issue that enables privilege escalation. It received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. The flaw specifically impacts the Android Runtime, where Java/Kotlin apps and system services execute, potentially allowing a malicious app to bypass sandbox restrictions and access higher-level system capabilities. No additional execution privileges or user interaction is required for exploitation (NVD, Bleeping Computer).

The vulnerability enables local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed and requires no user interaction for exploitation. It allows attackers to escape the Chrome sandbox and potentially gain access to the Android system_server, which could lead to complete system compromise. The impact is particularly severe as it affects multiple versions of Android and could be used to bypass critical security boundaries (NVD, The Hacker News).

Google has released security patches as part of its September 2025 Android Security Bulletin. Users are advised to upgrade to security patch level 2025-09-01 or 2025-09-05 by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates > System update and clicking 'Check for update'. Samsung has also released maintenance updates for their flagship models addressing this vulnerability. Users running Android 12 and earlier should replace their devices with newer models that receive active security updates (Bleeping Computer).

The vulnerability has garnered significant attention from the cybersecurity community due to its active exploitation status. Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) has been involved in the investigation, and the vulnerability has been added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, requiring federal agencies to apply patches by September 25, 2025 (NVD, The Hacker News).