CVE-2025-22441 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists in the method getContextForResourcesEnsuringCorrectCachedApkPaths within the RemoteViews.java component. This vulnerability arises from a confused deputy problem, where the system incorrectly loads arbitrary Java code in a privileged context. Essentially, an attacker can exploit this flaw to execute code with elevated privileges on the device without needing additional execution privileges initially. However, exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-441, which relates to incorrect management of privileged operations leading to privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.3, indicating a high severity level, with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack vector is local, attack complexity is low, privileges required are low, user interaction is required, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability could allow a local attacker to bypass Android's security model, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or control over device functions by tricking a user into interacting with malicious content that triggers the flaw in RemoteViews, a component often used for UI rendering in widgets and notifications.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises relying on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to confidential corporate data, compromise of device integrity, and potential lateral movement within enterprise networks. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger the exploit. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe, including in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, the potential impact includes data breaches, disruption of services, and erosion of trust in mobile security. Furthermore, compromised devices could be used as entry points for broader cyberattacks targeting European infrastructure or intellectual property. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts underscore the critical nature of this vulnerability in environments where Android devices are integral to secure operations.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies that restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources and enforce application whitelisting where possible. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unsolicited or suspicious content, emphasizing the importance of cautious behavior to mitigate the user interaction requirement. Employ advanced endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors related to privilege escalation attempts on Android devices. Monitor device logs and network traffic for indicators of compromise that could suggest exploitation attempts. Where feasible, isolate critical Android devices from sensitive networks or limit their access to essential services only. Organizations should also prepare to deploy patches promptly once Google releases them and test updates in controlled environments to ensure compatibility. Finally, consider implementing additional authentication layers and encryption for sensitive applications accessed via Android devices to reduce the impact of potential device compromise.