CVE-2025-32331 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 15 and 16. The flaw exists in the showDismissibleKeyguard method within KeyguardService.java, where a logic error allows an attacker to bypass the app pinning security feature. App pinning is designed to restrict device usage to a single app, preventing users or attackers from switching to other apps without proper authentication. The vulnerability enables a local attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to escalate their privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access but has low attack complexity, no user interaction, and results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The root cause is a logic error (CWE-693) in the keyguard dismissal process, which is critical for device security. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for attackers to gain unauthorized control over the device and access sensitive data or disrupt device functionality.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could have serious consequences, especially for those relying on Android devices for secure communications, mobile workforce operations, or sensitive data handling. An attacker exploiting this flaw could bypass app pinning, potentially gaining access to corporate apps or data that are supposed to be protected by this feature. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, manipulation, or denial of service on affected devices. The lack of required user interaction and the ability to escalate privileges locally make it easier for insiders or malware with limited access to exploit the vulnerability. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe, where mobile device security is paramount. Additionally, the disruption of device availability or integrity could impact business continuity and regulatory compliance under frameworks like GDPR.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions as soon as Google releases a fix. Until patches are available, organizations should implement strict device usage policies, including restricting physical access to devices and enforcing strong authentication mechanisms beyond app pinning. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device integrity and detect suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Consider disabling app pinning temporarily if feasible, or supplementing it with additional security controls such as biometric authentication or hardware-backed security modules. Regularly audit device security settings and educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation attacks. For high-risk environments, deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying anomalous behavior related to keyguard or privilege escalation attempts can provide early warning and containment.