CVE-2025-32350 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 14, 15, and 16. The vulnerability exists in the maybeShowDialog function of the ControlsSettingsDialogManager.kt component. It arises due to a possible overlay of the ControlsSettingsDialog, which can be exploited via a tapjacking or overlay attack. Tapjacking involves tricking the user interface to accept input on a disguised or invisible overlay, but in this case, the vulnerability allows local privilege escalation without requiring any user interaction. The attacker does not need additional execution privileges to exploit this flaw, which means a low-privileged local app or process could leverage this vulnerability to gain higher privileges on the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1021, which relates to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, but here it specifically relates to improper handling of UI overlays leading to privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity, with attack vector being local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, suggesting that mitigation and remediation efforts should be prioritized. This vulnerability could allow malicious local applications or processes to bypass Android's security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system settings, or disruption of device functionality.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for enterprises relying on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. The ability for a local app to escalate privileges without user interaction could lead to unauthorized data access, leakage of sensitive corporate or personal information, and compromise of device integrity. This could affect sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where Android devices are used. Furthermore, compromised devices could be used as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks or to deploy further malware. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy exploitation, making detection and prevention more challenging. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe, the vulnerability could have broad implications for data protection compliance under GDPR if personal data is exposed or mishandled due to exploitation.

Organizations should immediately audit their Android device fleets to identify devices running affected versions 14, 15, or 16. Until official patches are released, it is critical to restrict installation of untrusted or unnecessary local applications, as exploitation requires local code execution. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce strict app whitelisting and permissions can reduce risk. Monitoring device behavior for unusual privilege escalations or unexpected UI overlays may help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should educate users about the risks of installing apps from unknown sources and encourage use of Google Play Protect or equivalent security services. Additionally, organizations should prepare for rapid deployment of patches once available and consider isolating critical Android devices from sensitive networks to limit potential impact. Collaboration with device vendors and security researchers to obtain timely updates and threat intelligence is also recommended.