CVE-2025-48552 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13 through 16. The flaw exists in the saveGlobalProxyLocked function within the DevicePolicyManagerService.java component. Specifically, a logic error causes a desynchronization between the in-memory state and persistent storage related to global proxy settings. This inconsistency can be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Because the vulnerability is rooted in the device policy management service, which controls device-wide configurations and security policies, successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain higher-level permissions than intended, potentially compromising the device's security posture. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once local access is obtained. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been published yet. However, the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks on affected Android devices, especially those used in enterprise or sensitive environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for enterprises relying on Android devices for business operations, mobile workforce management, or as part of their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. Elevation of privilege vulnerabilities can allow attackers who have gained limited local access—through physical access, malicious applications, or other means—to escalate their privileges to system or administrative levels. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, manipulation of device policies, installation of persistent malware, or bypassing security controls enforced by device management. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe across various sectors including finance, healthcare, and government, exploitation could disrupt operations, lead to data breaches, and damage organizational reputation. The lack of required user interaction increases the threat as exploitation can be automated or triggered silently. Additionally, organizations using Android Enterprise or Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions may face increased risk if these devices are not promptly updated or monitored for suspicious activity.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting local access to Android devices, enforcing strong device lock mechanisms, and limiting installation of untrusted applications to reduce the chance of initial local compromise. 2. Organizations should monitor official Google security advisories closely for patches addressing CVE-2025-48552 and prioritize timely deployment once available. 3. Employ Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions capable of detecting anomalous privilege escalations or suspicious device policy changes. 4. Implement strict application whitelisting and use Android Enterprise features to enforce security policies that limit the ability of apps to gain elevated privileges. 5. Conduct regular audits of device configurations and logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of device security hygiene. 7. Where feasible, consider isolating critical Android devices or using hardened device configurations to reduce attack surface.