Is It Safe to Use an Android Phone Without the December 2025 Security Update?
Google has released the Android security bulletin for December 2025, detailing patches for 107 distinct security vulnerabilities. This update addresses critical flaws affecting Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. While the patches are available, update availability depends heavily on individual device manufacturers, leaving millions of older or unsupported devices potentially exposed.
Critical Vulnerabilities in the Framework
The most severe issue resides within the Android Framework component. This specific vulnerability allows attackers to launch remote denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Successful exploitation requires no additional execution privileges, making it a high-risk vector for unauthorized disruption of device functionality.
Google has explicitly flagged two Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that show indications of limited, targeted exploitation in the wild:
- CVE-2025-48633
- CVE-2025-48572
These indicators suggest that sophisticated actors may already be utilizing these flaws against specific targets. Immediate patching is strongly advised to mitigate these active threats.
Update Rollout and Verification
The security patch levels are split into two dates:
- December 1, 2025: Covers core Android framework and system patches.
- December 5, 2025: Includes vendor-specific patches and kernel updates.
Users should verify their current patch level. For instance, checks on a Moto G13 running Android 14 revealed a system update dating back to November 7, 2025, with Google Play Services version 25.46.32 installed mid-November. To ensure safety, users must manually check for the December Over-the-Air (OTA) update through their system settings.