CVE-2025-48624 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2025
In multiple functions of arm-smmu-v3.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-2025-48624 resides within the arm-smmu-v3.c kernel driver, which implements the ARM System MMU v3 functionality for memory management in embedded systems. This driver operates at the kernel level and serves as a critical component in systems utilizing ARM-based architectures for memory protection and virtualization. The flaw manifests in multiple functions where input validation mechanisms fail to properly constrain array access operations, creating opportunities for out-of-bounds memory writes that can potentially compromise system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in memory management operations within the SMMU v3 driver. When processing memory management requests, the driver fails to validate the size or index values provided by kernel-level operations, allowing malicious input to traverse beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects functions responsible for handling page table entries and memory mapping operations that are fundamental to the SMMU's operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to local privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker with kernel-level access or the ability to execute code within the kernel context can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation and user interaction is not necessary, the vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems where kernel-level components are accessible. The exploitation process would involve carefully crafted memory management operations that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical kernel data structures or function pointers, ultimately leading to privilege escalation and full system compromise.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547.001 which addresses "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder." The flaw can be exploited by adversaries who have already gained kernel-level access or can execute code with sufficient privileges to manipulate the SMMU driver functions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the kernel driver with proper bounds checking mechanisms, implementation of kernel address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts, and deployment of kernel module integrity checking mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and ensure that all kernel components undergo rigorous security testing before deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the potential for seemingly minor flaws to result in severe privilege escalation capabilities within embedded ARM-based systems.