CVE-2025-26423 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically affecting versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists within the validateIpConfiguration function of the WifiConfigurationUtil.java component. This vulnerability arises due to a missing bounds check during the validation of IP configuration parameters. Exploiting this flaw can trigger a permanent denial of service (DoS) condition locally on the device. More critically, it allows an attacker to escalate privileges on the device without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The absence of user interaction means that an attacker with local access to the device can exploit this vulnerability silently and effectively. The vulnerability is classified as an elevation of privilege type, which means it can be used to gain higher-level permissions than those initially granted, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code or manipulate system settings. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability suggests it could be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise device integrity or stability. The vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score yet, and no official patches have been linked or published at this time.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. The elevation of privilege can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of device configurations, or disruption of device availability through permanent DoS conditions. This could result in data breaches, operational disruptions, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The fact that exploitation requires only local access but no user interaction increases the risk in environments where devices may be physically accessible to unauthorized personnel or where malware could gain initial foothold with limited privileges. Additionally, organizations that deploy Android devices in critical infrastructure or sensitive environments could face heightened risks of targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability to escalate privileges and compromise device security.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions as soon as Google releases security updates addressing CVE-2025-26423. 2) Implement strict physical security controls to limit unauthorized local access to devices, including secure storage and device management policies. 3) Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, monitor device integrity, and remotely manage or wipe compromised devices. 4) Restrict installation of untrusted applications and enforce application whitelisting to reduce the risk of local exploitation via malicious apps. 5) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on mobile endpoints to detect potential exploitation attempts. 6) Educate employees on the importance of device security and the risks associated with physical device access. 7) Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts or privilege escalation.