CVE-2025-48565 is a newly disclosed vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The flaw is due to a logic error in the implementation of the cross profile intent filter, a security mechanism designed to control inter-profile communication on Android devices. This logic error allows an attacker with local access to bypass these filters, thereby escalating their privileges on the device without requiring additional execution privileges or any user interaction. The vulnerability is local, meaning the attacker must have some form of access to the device, such as through a compromised app or physical access. Once exploited, the attacker can gain elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions that would normally be restricted. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported, but the flaw’s characteristics suggest it could be leveraged in targeted attacks or as part of a multi-stage compromise. The absence of user interaction requirement increases the risk, as exploitation can occur silently. The vulnerability impacts multiple recent Android versions, which are widely deployed globally, including across Europe. The lack of patch links indicates that fixes may still be in development or pending release by Google. This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust inter-profile communication controls and the risks posed by logic errors in security-critical code paths.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Android devices in both consumer and enterprise environments. The ability to escalate privileges locally without user interaction can enable attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive corporate data, or install persistent malware. This is particularly concerning for organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies or those that rely heavily on mobile endpoints for critical operations. The stealthy nature of the exploit could allow attackers to operate undetected, increasing the risk of data breaches or espionage. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which handle sensitive personal and operational data, could face severe confidentiality and integrity impacts. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if compromised devices connect to corporate resources. Given the lack of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate, but the potential impact is high if weaponized. The absence of user interaction requirement further elevates the threat level, as it lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is obtained.

Organizations should monitor for official patches from Google and apply them promptly once available. In the interim, restricting local access to devices is critical; this includes enforcing strong device authentication, limiting physical access, and controlling app installations to trusted sources only. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, including restricting cross-profile communication where possible. Conduct regular audits of installed applications and permissions to detect potentially malicious apps that could exploit this vulnerability. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted apps and the importance of device security hygiene. Network segmentation and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help identify suspicious activity originating from compromised devices. For high-risk environments, consider disabling or limiting cross-profile features if feasible. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to mitigate potential damage from exploitation.