CVE-2025-48623 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In init_pkvm_hyp_vcpu of pkvm.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48623 resides within the pkvm.c source file, specifically in the init_pkvm_hyp_vcpu function where a critical out of bounds write condition exists. This flaw represents a serious security weakness that allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the boundaries of data structures during virtual cpu initialization processes. The absence of proper bounds checking creates an exploitable condition where malicious code can write beyond allocated memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system data structures and undermining the integrity of the virtualization environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of improper parameter validation within the hypervisor initialization routine. When the init_pkvm_hyp_vcpu function processes incoming data structures for virtual cpu configuration, it fails to validate array indices or buffer limits before performing memory write operations. This condition falls under CWE-129 which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and more broadly aligns with CWE-787 which covers out of bounds write vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the hypervisor level where privilege escalation can lead to complete system compromise, as the hypervisor maintains the highest level of system privileges and controls all virtual machine operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant threat vector for local attackers who can leverage the out of bounds write condition to gain elevated privileges without requiring any special user interaction or additional attack vectors. The exploitability of this condition means that any local user with access to the system can potentially execute code with root privileges, effectively bypassing standard security controls and access restrictions. The attack surface extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data corruption, system instability, and complete compromise of the virtualization infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of systems relying on PKVM (Protected Kernel Virtual Machine) implementations and could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or manipulate virtual machine operations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48623 must address the core validation issues within the pkvm.c implementation while maintaining system functionality and performance. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms that properly check array bounds and buffer limits before any memory write operations occur. The fix should incorporate proper bounds checking for all data structures used in the virtual cpu initialization process and ensure that all indices are validated against maximum allowable values. Additionally, the implementation should follow established security practices such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the prevention of out of bounds write conditions that could be exploited for system compromise. Organizations should also implement runtime protections and memory corruption detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain continuous monitoring of virtualization environments for signs of compromise.