CVE-2025-48536 is a vulnerability in the Android operating system affecting versions 13 through 16, specifically within the grantAllowlistedPackagePermissions method of the SettingsSliceProvider.java component. The flaw is a classic confused deputy problem (CWE-441), where a third-party application with limited privileges can trick the system into granting it elevated permissions to modify secure settings. This occurs because the method improperly authorizes permission grants, allowing an app to bypass intended security controls without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability enables local attackers to escalate their privileges on the device, potentially gaining full control over sensitive system configurations. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with attack vector being local, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges, and no user interaction. The impact covers confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker could alter secure settings to compromise device security, install persistent malware, or disrupt normal operations. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's nature makes it a prime target for attackers aiming to gain persistent elevated access on Android devices. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on December 8, 2025, and no patches have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for vigilance and rapid response once fixes are released.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the widespread use of Android devices among employees for both personal and corporate purposes. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain elevated privileges on affected devices, enabling unauthorized modification of secure settings, installation of malicious software, or exfiltration of sensitive data. This could lead to breaches of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate information systems accessed via mobile devices. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where data protection is critical, could suffer severe operational disruptions and reputational damage. Additionally, the potential for persistent device compromise could facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks. The impact is exacerbated by the absence of known patches at the time of disclosure, necessitating immediate interim protective measures.

1. Monitor official Google and Android security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Implement strict app vetting policies, restricting installation to trusted sources and minimizing the number of apps with permissions that could be leveraged for privilege escalation. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, restrict app permissions, and detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Conduct regular security audits of Android devices within the organization to identify unauthorized changes to secure settings. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of keeping devices updated. 6. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring local privilege escalation attempts on mobile devices. 7. Limit the use of sensitive Android features and permissions where possible, reducing the attack surface. 8. Prepare incident response plans specific to mobile device compromise scenarios to enable rapid containment and remediation.