Overview
CVE-2025-48593 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the Bluetooth component of certain systems. This vulnerability, a use-after-free flaw, allows for remote code execution (RCE) without requiring any user interaction. This makes it a highly dangerous vulnerability that requires immediate attention and patching.
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides in the bta_hf_client_cb_init function within the bta_hf_client_main.cc file. A use-after-free condition occurs due to improper memory management, where a pointer to a freed memory region is dereferenced. This allows an attacker to potentially overwrite memory and inject malicious code.
Specifically, the vulnerability exists because of how the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) client initialization callback is handled. By crafting malicious Bluetooth packets, an attacker can trigger the use-after-free in bta_hf_client_cb_init.
The vulnerable code snippet is present in the following commits:
CVSS Analysis
Due to the nature of the vulnerability, a CVSS score is expected to be high, likely in the range of 9.0-10.0 (Critical). Although the provided information states “N/A”, the characteristics of the vulnerability (remote code execution, no user interaction) strongly suggest a critical severity rating. A detailed CVSS score will be available when officially assigned by the relevant security authorities. Key factors contributing to the high score include:
- Attack Vector: Network (Bluetooth)
- Attack Complexity: Low (relatively easy to exploit with crafted packets)
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Changed
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
Possible Impact
The potential impact of CVE-2025-48593 is significant. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to:
- Execute arbitrary code on the target device.
- Gain complete control over the device.
- Steal sensitive data.
- Install malware.
- Use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within a network.
Because no user interaction is required, devices are vulnerable as long as Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The primary mitigation strategy is to apply the security patch provided by the device vendor. The patch addresses the use-after-free condition in the bta_hf_client_cb_init function.
Refer to the Android Security Bulletin for November 2025 for official guidance and updates:
In the interim, consider the following temporary mitigations (though these are not substitutes for patching):
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use.
- Keep Bluetooth devices in non-discoverable mode unless actively pairing.
- Monitor Bluetooth traffic for suspicious activity.
