CVE-2025-48597 is a vulnerability in Google Android versions 14, 15, and 16 that allows local attackers to elevate privileges through a tapjacking or overlay attack. Tapjacking involves manipulating the user interface by placing transparent or opaque overlays that trick the system or user into accepting permissions or actions unknowingly. In this case, the vulnerability enables an attacker to bypass permission prompts or security dialogs without requiring user interaction, which is unusual for tapjacking attacks that typically rely on user taps. The attacker does not need additional execution privileges beyond local access, meaning that any app or user with limited rights on the device could exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges. This can lead to full compromise of the device’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as elevated privileges allow installation of malicious software, access to sensitive data, or disruption of device functions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1021, which relates to improper control of UI elements, indicating a design or implementation flaw in how Android handles permission dialogs or overlays. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the high CVSS score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) highlights the serious risk posed by this vulnerability. The lack of user interaction requirement lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the threat level. The affected Android versions are widely used in mobile devices globally, including in Europe, making this a significant concern for organizations relying on Android endpoints. The absence of patch links suggests that fixes may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for interim mitigations and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to mobile device security, especially for employees using Android devices for work. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of mobile services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks if devices are connected to internal resources. The elevation of privilege can allow attackers to install persistent malware, intercept communications, or exfiltrate confidential information. Given the high adoption rates of Android devices in Europe, particularly in countries with large mobile workforces such as Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and Italy, the impact could be widespread. Critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and government are especially vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and reliance on mobile connectivity. The vulnerability also undermines trust in mobile device management (MDM) solutions if attackers can bypass permission controls. Without patches, organizations face increased risk of targeted attacks exploiting this flaw to gain footholds on employee devices and escalate privileges, potentially leading to broader network compromises.

Until official patches are released, European organizations should implement several specific mitigations: 1) Enforce strict app vetting and only allow installation of apps from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store with verified developers. 2) Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to restrict app permissions and disable installation of apps with overlay capabilities or suspicious behaviors. 3) Educate users about the risks of installing unknown apps and the importance of reporting unusual device behavior. 4) Monitor devices for signs of privilege escalation or unauthorized permission grants using endpoint detection tools tailored for mobile platforms. 5) Limit local access to devices by enforcing strong authentication and locking mechanisms to reduce the chance of local attackers exploiting the vulnerability. 6) Apply network segmentation to isolate mobile devices from critical infrastructure to contain potential compromises. 7) Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once available by maintaining an updated inventory of affected devices and their Android versions. 8) Collaborate with security vendors for threat intelligence updates related to this CVE and emerging exploit techniques. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling overlay attack vectors and minimizing local exploitation opportunities.