CVE-2025-48543 Android Runtime: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Sep 25, 2025
What to do
- Install Android's security update for Runtime. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Android Runtime Use-After-Free Vulnerability
- Product
- Android Runtime
- CISA description
- Android Runtime contains a use-after-free vulnerability potentially allowing a chrome sandbox escape leading to local privilege escalation.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw
- Confirmed exploited
- Sep 4, 2025
- US federal patch deadline
- Sep 25, 2025
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Answering about CVE-2025-48543 ·
Questions about CVE-2025-48543
Is CVE-2025-48543 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2025-48543 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 4, 2025, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2025-48543?
Install Android's security update for Runtime. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2025-48543?
Only if you use Android Runtime. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.