CVE-2025-22432 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically within the notifyTimeout method of the CallRedirectionProcessor.java component. The root cause is improper input validation that can lead to a persistent connection state, which attackers can exploit to perform a local elevation of privilege. This means an attacker with user-level execution privileges on the device can leverage this flaw to gain higher privileges, enabling unauthorized background activities without requiring any user interaction. The vulnerability affects Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16, which are widely deployed across many devices globally. The lack of user interaction requirement lowers the barrier for exploitation, making it easier for malicious actors to leverage this flaw once they have user-level access. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be used to bypass security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or persistent malicious presence on affected devices. The absence of an official patch at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations. The vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score yet, but its characteristics indicate a significant security risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial threat due to the widespread use of Android devices in both personal and professional contexts. Exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges on compromised devices, leading to unauthorized access to corporate data, interception of communications, or installation of persistent malware. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruption of business operations. The ability to launch background activities without user interaction further increases the risk of stealthy attacks that evade detection. Organizations with mobile-first strategies or those relying on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which handle sensitive information, could face severe regulatory and reputational consequences if devices are compromised. The lack of current patches means that until updates are released and deployed, the risk remains elevated.

Organizations should proactively monitor official Google security advisories and apply patches immediately upon release. In the interim, restricting app permissions to the minimum necessary can reduce the attack surface. Employing Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions that detect anomalous behavior or privilege escalation attempts can provide additional protection. Enforcing strict device management policies, including the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms to control application installations and configurations, is recommended. Regularly auditing devices for unusual background activities and educating users about the risks of installing untrusted applications can also help mitigate exploitation. Network-level protections, such as restricting device communication to trusted networks and employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on mobile devices, can further reduce risk. Finally, organizations should prepare incident response plans specific to mobile device compromises.