CVE-2025-48588 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically within the startAlwaysOnVpn method of the Vpn.java component. The vulnerability arises from a logic error that allows the always-on VPN feature to be disabled improperly. Always-on VPN is a security feature designed to ensure that all network traffic from the device is routed through a VPN, preventing data leakage outside the secure tunnel. The logic flaw means that an attacker with local access to the device can bypass this protection without needing elevated privileges beforehand or any user interaction, effectively escalating their privileges locally. This could allow the attacker to intercept or redirect network traffic, compromise confidentiality, and potentially leverage this access to further compromise the device. The affected Android versions are 13, 14, and 15, which represent recent and widely deployed releases. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported. The vulnerability's exploitation complexity is low since no additional privileges or user actions are required, but it does require local access to the device. The absence of patches at the time of disclosure means that organizations must rely on compensating controls until updates are available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over VPN connections, which are commonly used to secure remote work and inter-office communications. An attacker exploiting this flaw could disable always-on VPN, exposing sensitive traffic to interception or manipulation. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive personal data or critical infrastructure, such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The ability to escalate privileges locally also increases the risk of further compromise, including installation of persistent malware or unauthorized access to corporate resources. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe, including in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, the attack surface is broad. The lack of user interaction needed for exploitation means that even unattended devices could be compromised if physical or local access is gained. This vulnerability could undermine trust in VPN-based security models and necessitate urgent remediation efforts.

Organizations should implement strict physical and local access controls to prevent unauthorized users from gaining local access to Android devices. Until patches are released, disabling always-on VPN temporarily or using alternative VPN enforcement mechanisms may reduce risk. Monitoring device logs for unexpected VPN state changes can help detect exploitation attempts. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could facilitate local exploitation. Educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of device lock mechanisms. Once Google releases patches, prioritize timely deployment across all affected Android devices. Consider network-level protections such as anomaly detection on VPN traffic to identify suspicious activity indicative of VPN bypass. For highly sensitive environments, evaluate the use of hardware-based VPN solutions or additional encryption layers to mitigate exposure.