CVE-2025-48584 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android version 16 within the NotificationManagerService.java component. The issue arises from a flaw in multiple functions that manage notification channels, specifically allowing an attacker to bypass the per-package channel limits designed to prevent resource overuse. By circumventing these limits, an attacker can cause resource exhaustion on the device, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition. This DoS is local, meaning the attacker must have local access to the device, but does not require any elevated privileges or user interaction, which significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation. The vulnerability exploits the way notification channels are handled, potentially flooding the system with excessive notification channels or related resource allocations until the system becomes unstable or unresponsive. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery. Android version 16 is the affected product version, which is a widely deployed OS version in many devices globally, including Europe. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an independent severity assessment. Given the potential for complete denial of service without user interaction or privilege escalation, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to device availability and operational continuity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could disrupt mobile device availability, impacting business continuity, especially for sectors relying heavily on Android devices for critical communications and operations such as finance, healthcare, and government services. Resource exhaustion leading to denial of service can cause devices to freeze or crash, potentially interrupting workflows and access to essential applications. Since no user interaction or elevated privileges are required, insider threats or malware with local access could exploit this vulnerability to degrade device performance or cause outages. The impact is particularly severe for organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those using Android devices for secure communications. Additionally, critical infrastructure relying on Android-based control or monitoring devices could face operational risks. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once patches are released. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations within Europe.

Organizations should prioritize monitoring and controlling local access to Android devices, limiting the installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Implement strict device management policies to restrict app permissions and usage of notification channels. Once Google releases a security patch for Android version 16, immediate deployment is essential. Until patches are available, consider using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and detect abnormal notification channel usage or resource consumption. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and maintain updated antivirus or endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting suspicious local activities. For high-risk environments, consider isolating critical Android devices from untrusted networks and users. Regularly audit device logs for signs of resource exhaustion or abnormal notification behavior. Collaborate with vendors and security communities to stay informed about patch releases and exploit developments.