CVE-2025-26444 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13 and 14. The flaw exists in the onHandleForceStop method of the VoiceInteractionManagerService.java component. When a user-selected assistant application is forcibly stopped, a logic error causes the system to revert incorrectly to the default assistant application. This default assistant app is then automatically granted the ROLE_ASSISTANT without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to escalate privileges by exploiting this automatic role assignment, potentially gaining elevated capabilities associated with the assistant role. Since no user interaction is required, exploitation can occur silently once the conditions are met. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of forced stop events for assistant apps, leading to unintended privilege escalation. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the flaw presents a significant risk due to the elevated privileges granted to the default assistant app, which could be leveraged to perform unauthorized actions on the device. The absence of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly disclosed issue, and the technical details highlight that the vulnerability is rooted in a logic error within the Android system service managing voice interaction assistants.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk especially for enterprises relying on Android devices for sensitive communications or operations. The elevation of privilege could allow malicious local actors or compromised apps to gain assistant-level privileges, potentially accessing sensitive data, intercepting communications, or manipulating device functions. This could lead to breaches of confidentiality and integrity of corporate data, unauthorized access to device controls, and disruption of normal device operations. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those deploying Android devices in critical roles (e.g., field operations, secure communications) are particularly vulnerable. The silent nature of the exploit and lack of user interaction requirement increase the risk of unnoticed compromise. Additionally, the flaw could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or sectors within Europe, amplifying potential damage.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions as soon as Google releases fixes. Until patches are available, organizations should implement strict application control policies to limit installation of untrusted or unnecessary assistant apps. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and restrict forced stop operations on assistant applications. Conduct regular audits of device roles and permissions to detect unauthorized changes to assistant roles. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified assistant apps and enforce least privilege principles for app permissions. Additionally, consider disabling or limiting the use of voice assistant features on corporate devices where feasible. Monitoring device logs for unusual role assignment events related to assistant apps can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, collaborate with device vendors and security teams to ensure timely deployment of security updates and incident response readiness.