Android "No-Touch" Remote Code Execution: Patches You Need Now
What's Happening?
Google's August 2025 security update patches a critical flaw in Andriod's System component– CVE-2025-48530, dubbed the "No-Touch" RCE. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute code without any user interaction or elevated privileges, especially impacting devices running Android 16.
In addition, two high-severity elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-22441 and CVE-2025-48533, affect the Android Framework across versions 13-16– also exploitable without user interaction.
Why This Matters
- Zero-user-action required – The "No Touch" exploit allows remote compromise without clicking, tapping, or installing anything, making it highly dangerous.
- Potential chaining – This RCE can be combined with other bugs –perfect for stealthy, multi-stage attacks.
- Wide device impact – While Android 16 is directly affected, vulnerabilities in the Framework expose a broader range of devices.
- High priority patch – Though no in-the-wild exploitation has been reported; Google accelerated the patch rollout due to extreme severity.
What You Need to Do
- Update Immediately – Ensure your device is on the August 5, 2025 patch or later. Google Play Protect and OEM updates will carry the fix.
- Check Patch Level – Go to Setting > System > About phone and confirm it's at 2025-08-05 or newer.
- Reach Unsupported Devices – Older models like Pixel 3a, Galaxy S10, and OnePlus 7 no longer receive updates and remain at risk. Consider upgrading.
- Utilize Android Protections – Google Play Protect, sandboxing, and runtime defenses help– but don't rely solely on them.
ThreatGrid Takeaways
- Treat this patch as critical– exploitation could happen silently.
- Prioritize remediation in organizations managing fleets of Android devices.
- Monitor logs for suspicious activity such as unauthorized installs or background behavior.
- Encourage users to update frequently and consider diversity in device-age mitigation strategies.
