Google Android 13/14/15/16 PackageManagerService.java setApplicationHiddenSettingAsUser denial of service

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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3.2$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Google Android 13/14/15/16. It has been rated as problematic. This affects the function setApplicationHiddenSettingAsUser of the file PackageManagerService.java. Performing a manipulation results in denial of service. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2025-48538. Attacking locally is a requirement. No exploit is available. It is suggested to install a patch to address this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Google Android 13/14/15/16. It has been classified as problematic. This affects the function setApplicationHiddenSettingAsUser of the file PackageManagerService.java. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a denial of service vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-404. The product does not release or incorrectly releases a resource before it is made available for re-use. This is going to have an impact on availability. The summary by CVE is:

In setApplicationHiddenSettingAsUser of PackageManagerService.java, there is a possible way to hide a system critical package due to improper input validation. This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.

The advisory is shared at android.googlesource.com. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2025-48538 since 05/22/2025. The exploitability is told to be easy. An attack has to be approached locally. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 09/07/2025).

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-1944). Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Affected

  • Google Android

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 3.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 3.2

VulDB Base Score: 3.3
VulDB Temp Score: 3.2
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Denial of service
CWE: CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Patch
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Timelineinfo

05/22/2025 CVE reserved
09/04/2025 +105 days Advisory disclosed
09/04/2025 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/07/2025 +3 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: google.com

Advisory: android.googlesource.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2025-48538 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2025-48538
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-322665
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2025-1944 - Android Patchday September 2025: Multiple Vulnerabilities

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20150917

Entryinfo

Created: 09/04/2025 21:57
Updated: 09/07/2025 13:19
Changes: 09/04/2025 21:57 (57), 09/07/2025 13:19 (7)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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