CVE-2025-48641 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2026
In multiple functions of Nfc.h, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. 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 • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48641 represents a critical security flaw within the Nfc.h library functions that exposes systems to potential local privilege escalation attacks. This issue stems from improper memory management practices that create opportunities for malicious actors to exploit race conditions present in the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem implementation. The vulnerability specifically affects multiple functions within the Nfc.h header file, indicating a systemic weakness rather than an isolated incident that could impact the broader NFC functionality across affected platforms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory references that creates a use-after-free condition during concurrent execution scenarios. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same memory location simultaneously, the race condition allows for a scenario where memory previously freed by one operation becomes accessible to another operation before proper deallocation occurs. This fundamental flaw in memory management creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution, as attackers can manipulate the freed memory location to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 which specifically addresses the use of freed memory conditions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond what is normally available to a local user.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-48641 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire system security post-exploitation. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, attackers can leverage this vulnerability automatically without any social engineering or user deception tactics. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker with basic system access can elevate their privileges to gain administrative or root-level access, which would typically require more sophisticated attack vectors. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal authentication and authorization controls, potentially allowing complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that NFC functionality is commonly implemented in mobile devices, IoT systems, and embedded platforms where such vulnerabilities can be exploited with minimal effort.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48641 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of proper memory management controls. Organizations should implement comprehensive code reviews focusing on race condition detection and memory management practices within NFC and related subsystems. The solution requires addressing the underlying race condition through proper synchronization mechanisms such as mutex locks, semaphores, or atomic operations to prevent concurrent access to shared memory resources. Additionally, implementing memory safety checks and using modern programming practices that avoid direct memory manipulation can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically targeting use-after-free conditions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system binary manipulation and memory corruption, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.