CVE-2025-48547 is a recently published vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the Google Android operating system, specifically versions 13 through 16. The vulnerability arises from a logic error in the permission handling code that allows a one-time permission bypass. This flaw can be exploited locally by an attacker to escalate their privileges on the device without requiring any additional execution privileges beyond what they already have. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the attacker must trick or convince the user to perform some action that triggers the vulnerability. The vulnerability is classified as an elevation of privilege issue, which means an attacker with limited access could gain higher privileges, potentially allowing them to execute unauthorized actions or access sensitive data. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been published yet. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the severity has not been formally assessed, but the technical details suggest a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation on widely used Android versions. The vulnerability affects multiple core Android versions, indicating a broad attack surface across many devices globally. Since user interaction is required, the attack vector likely involves social engineering or malicious applications convincing users to perform specific actions. The absence of additional execution privileges needed lowers the barrier for exploitation once user interaction occurs, increasing the threat's seriousness.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk, especially those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on employee devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access to corporate data, installation of persistent malware, or lateral movement within enterprise networks. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe across both consumer and enterprise sectors, the vulnerability could impact sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the risk of targeted attacks. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for organizations to prepare and patch before widespread abuse occurs. However, the broad range of affected Android versions means many devices, including those that may not receive timely updates, remain vulnerable, increasing the potential impact. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, complicating compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal or sensitive data is compromised.

European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Inventory and identify all Android devices running affected versions (13 through 16) within their environment. 2) Monitor official Google security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-48547 and apply them promptly once available. 3) Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, restrict installation of untrusted applications, and control permissions granted to apps, minimizing the attack surface. 4) Educate users about the risks of social engineering and phishing attacks that could trigger this vulnerability, emphasizing cautious behavior when interacting with unknown links, attachments, or prompts requesting permissions. 5) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying suspicious privilege escalation behaviors on mobile devices. 6) Where possible, restrict sensitive operations or access to corporate resources from devices running vulnerable Android versions until patched. 7) Engage with device vendors and service providers to ensure timely updates and support for affected devices, especially for legacy or less commonly updated models. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on device inventory, user awareness, and proactive patch management tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.