CVE-2025-48590 is a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability identified in the AppOpsService.java component of Google Android operating system versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The vulnerability resides in the verifyAndGetBypass method, where a malicious application can cause resource exhaustion under limited circumstances. This resource exhaustion can prevent the device from successfully dialing emergency services, effectively causing a local denial of service condition. The exploit does not require the malicious app to have any special execution privileges, nor does it require any user interaction, which significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation. The vulnerability impacts the availability of emergency call functionality, a critical feature for user safety. Although no public exploits have been reported, the flaw's presence in recent Android versions means a large number of devices are potentially vulnerable. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and patches or detailed impact assessments may still be forthcoming. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets emergency call functionality, which is a critical service that must remain available at all times. The technical root cause is resource exhaustion in the AppOpsService's verifyAndGetBypass method, which likely involves improper handling of resource limits or failure to properly release resources when processing app permissions or operations. This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust resource management in system services that handle critical operations like emergency calls.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48590 is significant due to the potential disruption of emergency call capabilities on Android devices, which are widely used across Europe both by individuals and within enterprise environments. The denial of service condition could prevent users from contacting emergency services during critical situations, posing serious safety and compliance risks. Organizations relying on Android devices for field operations, healthcare, public safety, or critical infrastructure support may face operational disruptions or liability issues if emergency calls fail. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without user interaction or elevated privileges increases the risk of widespread impact, especially in environments where app vetting is less stringent or where users may install untrusted applications. Although this vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact on emergency services is severe. The threat also raises concerns for regulatory compliance with European safety and telecommunications regulations that mandate reliable access to emergency services. The lack of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for abuse remains high given the critical nature of the affected functionality.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48590, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor for and promptly apply official security patches from Google as they become available for Android versions 13 through 16. 2) Implement strict app permission policies and use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to restrict installation of untrusted or potentially malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. 3) Employ runtime monitoring and behavioral analysis tools to detect unusual resource consumption patterns indicative of exploitation attempts targeting AppOpsService. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing apps from unknown sources and encourage use of official app stores with security vetting. 5) Coordinate with emergency response teams to establish alternative communication methods or backup devices in case of emergency call failures. 6) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on mobile device security to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7) Engage with vendors and service providers to ensure timely updates and support for affected devices. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling app behavior, monitoring resource usage, and ensuring operational continuity of emergency services.