CVE-2025-26464 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability found in Google Android version 15, specifically within the executeAppFunction method of the AppSearchManagerService.java component. The vulnerability arises due to a logic error that allows a background activity to be launched improperly. This flaw can be exploited by a local attacker without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. The vulnerability enables an attacker with local access to escalate their privileges on the device, potentially gaining higher-level permissions than originally granted. Since the flaw is in a system service related to app search management, it could allow malicious applications or processes to perform actions beyond their intended scope, possibly leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been published yet. However, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that it could be leveraged to compromise device integrity and confidentiality if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-26464 could be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges on affected devices, potentially bypassing security controls and accessing sensitive corporate data or internal networks. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, or disruption of mobile services. The fact that no user interaction is required increases the risk of stealthy exploitation, making detection and prevention more challenging. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often enforce strict data protection regulations under GDPR and other European laws, could face compliance risks and reputational damage if devices are compromised. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used as a foothold for lateral movement within enterprise environments, increasing the overall threat landscape.

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2025-26464, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Prioritize updating Android devices to the latest available version once Google releases an official patch addressing this vulnerability. 2) Implement strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control app installations and restrict permissions, minimizing the attack surface. 3) Monitor device behavior for unusual background activity launches or privilege escalations using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools tailored for mobile platforms. 4) Enforce the principle of least privilege on Android devices by limiting app permissions and disabling unnecessary services related to app search or background activity management. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and encourage the use of official app stores with vetted applications. 6) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on mobile device security to detect potential exploitation attempts early. 7) Collaborate with vendors and security communities to stay informed about emerging threats and mitigation techniques related to Android vulnerabilities.