CVE-2025-26425 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 14 and 15. The issue stems from a logic error in multiple functions within the RoleService.java component, specifically related to permission squatting. Permission squatting occurs when an application exploits a flaw to gain permissions it should not have, by registering or manipulating permissions in a way that the system incorrectly grants elevated privileges. In this case, the vulnerability arises because the android.permission.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPLICATIONS permission was not properly defined with additional execution privileges, allowing an attacker to escalate privileges locally without requiring any user interaction. This means that a malicious app or process running on the device could exploit this flaw to gain higher-level permissions than intended, potentially allowing it to modify default application settings or perform other privileged operations. The vulnerability does not require the attacker to have any special permissions beforehand, nor does it require the victim to interact with the exploit, increasing the risk of silent exploitation. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the flaw's presence in recent Android versions and the nature of the vulnerability make it a significant concern for device security. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and has not yet been fully assessed for severity by standard scoring systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk, especially for those relying on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges on affected devices, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in application defaults, installation of malicious apps with elevated rights, or bypassing security controls. This could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive corporate data stored or accessed via Android devices. Additionally, compromised devices could serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks or be used to exfiltrate data. The fact that no user interaction is needed increases the likelihood of stealthy attacks, making detection and prevention more challenging. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often have stringent data protection requirements under regulations like GDPR, could face compliance risks and reputational damage if devices are compromised through this vulnerability.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to patched versions once Google releases a security update addressing CVE-2025-26425. Until patches are available, organizations should implement strict application control policies, such as restricting installation of apps from untrusted sources and employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations and monitor device integrity. Regularly auditing installed applications and permissions can help detect suspicious privilege escalations. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile devices can aid in identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, educating users about the risks of installing unauthorized applications and encouraging the use of official app stores can reduce exposure. For high-risk environments, consider isolating critical Android devices or limiting their network access to reduce potential impact. Finally, maintain close monitoring of threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit reports related to this vulnerability to enable rapid response.