CVE-2025-48554 is a vulnerability identified in the Google Android operating system, specifically within the DevicePolicyManagerService component. The flaw exists in the handlePackagesChanged method of DevicePolicyManagerService.java, where a logic error can cause a persistent denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability allows a local attacker to disrupt device operations by triggering a denial of service without requiring elevated privileges beyond those of a standard user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the attacker must convince the user to perform some action, such as installing or interacting with a malicious application or package. The affected Android versions include 13, 14, 15, and 16, which cover a broad range of currently supported and recent Android releases. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-693, which relates to protection mechanisms that are bypassed or logic errors leading to security issues. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H) reflects that the attack requires local access, low complexity, low privileges, and user interaction, with an impact primarily on availability (high), and limited impact on confidentiality and integrity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The persistent nature of the DoS suggests that the device may remain inoperable or unstable until a reboot or other remediation is performed, potentially affecting device usability and availability of services dependent on the device.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the availability of Android devices used within corporate environments. Given the widespread use of Android smartphones and tablets in Europe for both personal and professional purposes, a persistent denial of service could disrupt business operations, especially in sectors relying heavily on mobile device management (MDM) and device policy enforcement, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability, increasing the risk in environments with less user awareness or training. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, but the high availability impact could lead to operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential delays in critical communications. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face additional challenges, as affected devices could be personal phones that also access corporate resources. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on mitigation strategies until updates are available. The persistent nature of the DoS could also affect emergency communication capabilities if critical personnel devices are impacted.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement several targeted measures beyond generic advice: 1) Enforce strict application installation policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to restrict installation of untrusted or unknown applications that could trigger the vulnerability. 2) Educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious apps or links, emphasizing the need to avoid installing unverified packages or apps from unofficial sources. 3) Monitor device behavior for signs of instability or repeated crashes related to package changes, enabling early detection of exploitation attempts. 4) Temporarily disable or restrict features related to package changes or device policy modifications if feasible, especially on high-risk or critical devices. 5) Maintain an inventory of Android devices and their OS versions to prioritize patching once Google releases an official fix. 6) Encourage users to apply system updates promptly when patches become available. 7) Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of compromised devices on corporate networks. 8) Prepare incident response plans that include procedures for handling persistent DoS conditions on mobile devices, including potential device resets or replacements.