CVE-2025-48552 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13 through 16. The flaw exists in the DevicePolicyManagerService component, specifically within the saveGlobalProxyLocked method. Due to a logic error, the system can become desynchronized from its persistent state, which can be exploited locally to escalate privileges. Notably, the exploit does not require additional execution privileges beyond those already held by the attacker, nor does it require any user interaction, making it easier to leverage once local access is obtained. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning that an attacker with limited privileges on the device can gain higher privileges, potentially compromising sensitive data, altering system behavior, or disrupting device functionality. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on September 4, 2025, and while no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and high impact make it a significant threat. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Android devices for secure communications and operations. The ability for a local attacker to escalate privileges without user interaction could lead to unauthorized access to confidential corporate or personal data, manipulation of device policies, and potential deployment of further malware or espionage tools. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, compromised Android devices could serve as entry points for broader network intrusions or data breaches. Additionally, the vulnerability undermines trust in device management capabilities, which are crucial for enforcing security policies in managed device fleets. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe, including in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments, the threat extends beyond just IT departments to end users who may inadvertently facilitate privilege escalation through compromised or malicious applications.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions as soon as Google releases security updates addressing CVE-2025-48552. 2) Implement strict application whitelisting and privilege management to limit the ability of local users or apps to exploit the vulnerability. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device integrity and detect anomalous privilege escalations or policy changes. 4) Restrict physical and local access to devices, especially in high-security environments, to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation vectors within Android devices. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of applying updates promptly. 7) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying suspicious behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts on mobile devices.