Google Android 13/14/15 Vpn.java startAlwaysOnVpn Local Privilege Escalation
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | $5k-$25k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability identified as problematic has been detected in Google Android 13/14/15. The impacted element is the function startAlwaysOnVpn of the file Vpn.java. The manipulation leads to Local Privilege Escalation.
This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2025-48588. Local access is required to approach this attack. No exploit exists.
Details
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Google Android 13/14/15. This issue affects the function startAlwaysOnVpn of the file Vpn.java. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a local privilege escalation vulnerability. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:
In startAlwaysOnVpn of Vpn.java, there is a possible way to disable always-on VPN due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
It is possible to read the advisory at android.googlesource.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2025-48588 since 05/22/2025. The exploitation is known to be easy. Attacking locally is a requirement. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 12/21/2025).
There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.
The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2711). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Affected
- Lenovo BIOS
- Lenovo Computer
- Google Android
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.google.com/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.3VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Local Privilege EscalationCWE: Unknown
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 Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: no mitigation knownStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔒
Timeline
05/22/2025 CVE reserved12/08/2025 Advisory disclosed
12/08/2025 VulDB entry created
12/21/2025 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Vendor: google.comAdvisory: android.googlesource.com
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2025-48588 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2025-48588
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-334847
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2025-2711 - Android Patchday Dezember 2025: Mehrere Schwachstellen
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20150917
Entry
Created: 12/08/2025 19:39Updated: 12/21/2025 13:10
Changes: 12/08/2025 19:39 (54), 12/21/2025 13:10 (7)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
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