CVE-2025-26425 is a medium-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 14 and 15. The vulnerability arises from a logic error in multiple functions within the RoleService.java component. Specifically, it involves a permission squatting issue where the permission android.permission.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPLICATIONS was not properly defined with execution privileges. This flaw allows a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring any user interaction or prior authentication. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-266, which relates to improper permissions or access control. Exploitation involves leveraging the flawed permission logic to gain elevated privileges on the device, potentially allowing the attacker to perform actions normally restricted to higher-privileged processes. Although the CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0, indicating medium severity, the attack vector is local with low complexity and no user interaction needed, which means an attacker with local access can exploit this vulnerability relatively easily. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability impacts Android's role management system, which controls default application assignments and related permissions, a critical component for maintaining secure application behavior on the device.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to devices running Android 14 and 15, which may be used by employees or within enterprise environments. The elevation of privilege could allow a local attacker or malicious application to bypass security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions. While the vulnerability does not directly affect confidentiality, integrity, or availability at a high level, it could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, such as installing persistent malware or accessing restricted resources. Organizations relying on Android devices for secure communications, mobile workforce operations, or sensitive data handling could face increased risk if devices are compromised. The lack of required user interaction increases the threat as exploitation can occur silently. However, since exploitation requires local access, the threat is mitigated somewhat in environments with strong physical security and device management policies.

European organizations should prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions once available from Google or device manufacturers. Until patches are released, organizations should enforce strict device usage policies, including restricting physical access to devices and limiting installation of untrusted applications. Employing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app permissions and behavior can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should audit devices for unusual privilege escalations or suspicious activity related to role management services. Encouraging users to avoid installing apps from unknown sources and maintaining up-to-date security software on devices can further reduce risk. Network segmentation and limiting local access to devices can also mitigate the threat. Finally, monitoring threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits related to this CVE is recommended to respond promptly.