CVE-2025-48564 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android operating system versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The flaw arises from a race condition in multiple locations within the Android framework that leads to an intent filter bypass. Intent filters in Android are used to declare the capabilities of components and control how intents are routed between apps and system components. A race condition here means that the timing of operations can be manipulated to bypass these intent filters, allowing an attacker to perform actions that should be restricted. This bypass enables a local attacker to escalate privileges without needing additional execution privileges or any user interaction, which significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation. The vulnerability is local, meaning the attacker must already have some form of access to the device, but once exploited, it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system functions or data. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild, but the vulnerability is published and should be considered a serious risk. The lack of user interaction requirement and no need for elevated privileges prior to exploitation make this a particularly dangerous elevation of privilege vulnerability. The absence of patch links indicates that fixes may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for enterprises and government entities relying on Android devices for communication, data access, and operational tasks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate or personal data, manipulation of device settings, or installation of persistent malware. This could compromise confidentiality and integrity of information and disrupt availability if critical system components are affected. The local nature of the exploit means insider threats or malware already present on devices could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and expand their control. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe in both consumer and enterprise environments, the potential impact is broad. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation in environments where physical or local access is possible. This vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations, particularly those with less stringent device security policies.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting installation of untrusted or unknown applications to reduce the risk of local attackers gaining initial access. Organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies that limit app permissions and monitor for suspicious local activity. Until official patches are released, users and administrators should avoid granting unnecessary privileges to apps and disable developer options or debugging features that could facilitate exploitation. Regularly auditing devices for unusual behavior or privilege escalations can help detect exploitation attempts. Once patches become available from Google or device manufacturers, rapid deployment across all affected Android devices is critical. Additionally, educating users about the risks of installing apps from unofficial sources and maintaining updated antivirus or endpoint protection solutions on mobile devices can reduce exposure. For high-security environments, consider isolating critical Android devices or using hardened Android variants with additional security controls.