CVE-2025-0078 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting multiple recent versions of the Google Android operating system, specifically versions 12 through 15 including 12L. The vulnerability arises from a logic error in the main.cpp source file, which leads to a bypass of SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) enforcement. SELinux is a critical security module in Android that enforces mandatory access controls to confine processes and limit their privileges. The flaw allows a local attacker, who already has some level of access (local privileges), to escalate their privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means the attacker does not need to trick a user into performing any action, nor do they need to exploit another vulnerability to gain code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges), indicating that the code grants more privileges than necessary due to the logic error. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability’s nature and severity make it a significant risk for Android devices. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available or fully deployed, emphasizing the need for vigilance and mitigation by device manufacturers and users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Android devices in both consumer and enterprise environments. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain elevated privileges on affected devices, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, installation of persistent malware, or lateral movement within corporate networks via mobile endpoints. The bypass of SELinux undermines a fundamental security layer, increasing the likelihood of successful privilege escalation attacks. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of business operations, and compromise of user privacy. Organizations relying on Android devices for secure communications, mobile workforce management, or critical infrastructure control could face severe operational and reputational damage. The fact that no user interaction is required lowers the barrier for exploitation, making automated or wormable attacks more feasible if an exploit emerges. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple recent Android versions, meaning a large portion of devices in use across Europe are potentially vulnerable until patches are applied.

Given the absence of an official patch link, European organizations should take immediate proactive steps to mitigate risk. First, they should inventory and identify all Android devices running affected versions (12 through 15). Where possible, restrict local user privileges on devices to minimize the potential for privilege escalation. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, restrict installation of untrusted applications, and monitor for suspicious activity indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised devices and use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring Android endpoints. Regularly check for updates from device manufacturers and Google, and prioritize timely patching once fixes become available. User education should emphasize the importance of installing updates promptly. Additionally, consider deploying application whitelisting and disabling unnecessary services or features that could be leveraged in exploitation. Finally, monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability to enable rapid incident response.