CVE-2025-48560 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 15 and 16 that allows for local information disclosure through a confused deputy scenario involving the AndroidManifest.xml configuration. Specifically, an app can monitor motion events without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability arises because the app can exploit permissions or capabilities granted in the manifest to access motion sensor data indirectly, which it should not be able to do. This results in a breach of confidentiality as sensitive motion event data can be leaked to a malicious app running locally on the device. Since no user interaction is needed, the exploit can occur stealthily once the malicious app is installed. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges beyond those already granted by the manifest, making it easier to exploit. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for information leakage from motion sensors could be leveraged for user behavior profiling, location inference, or other privacy-invasive actions. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability with limited public technical details, but the core issue is a confused deputy problem leading to unauthorized access to motion event data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant privacy risk, especially for enterprises and government agencies that rely on Android devices for sensitive communications and operations. The unauthorized disclosure of motion event data could enable attackers to infer user activities, locations, or even keystroke patterns, potentially leading to further targeted attacks or espionage. Organizations handling personal data under GDPR must consider this a data protection concern, as leakage of sensor data could be classified as personal data exposure. The stealthy nature of the exploit (no user interaction needed) increases the risk of unnoticed data leakage. Additionally, sectors such as finance, defense, and critical infrastructure that use Android devices for secure communications could face increased risk of surveillance or data exfiltration. While the vulnerability is local and requires app installation, the widespread use of Android devices in Europe means the attack surface is large, particularly in BYOD environments or where app vetting is insufficient.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Enforce strict app installation policies, allowing only vetted and trusted applications from official sources such as the Google Play Store with enhanced scrutiny on permissions related to sensors and motion data. 2) Deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions that can restrict or monitor app permissions dynamically and detect anomalous sensor data access patterns. 3) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and encourage regular updates to the latest Android versions once patches are released. 4) Monitor Android security bulletins and apply patches promptly when Google releases fixes for versions 15 and 16. 5) Consider disabling or restricting motion sensor access via device configuration where feasible, especially on devices used in sensitive environments. 6) Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting suspicious local app behaviors related to sensor data access. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling app permissions, monitoring sensor data access, and enforcing organizational policies tailored to this specific vulnerability.