CVE-2025-48603 is a vulnerability identified in the InputMethodInfo class within the InputMethodInfo.java file of Google Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 13, 14, 15, and 16. The issue arises from improper handling of resources leading to resource exhaustion, categorized under CWE-400 (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption). This flaw allows an attacker with local privileges to cause a permanent denial of service by exhausting system resources, effectively rendering the device unusable or severely degraded in performance. Exploitation does not require user interaction or elevated privileges, making it easier for malicious actors with limited access to disrupt device availability. The vulnerability impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad but does not affect confidentiality or integrity. While no exploits have been reported in the wild and no patches have been published yet, the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Android versions makes it a significant concern. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have some form of access to the device, but no additional authentication or user action is necessary. This vulnerability could be leveraged in scenarios where attackers gain limited access, such as through malicious apps or compromised user accounts, to disrupt device functionality.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48603 could be substantial, particularly for those relying heavily on Android devices for daily operations, including mobile workforce management, communications, and field services. A successful denial of service attack could lead to loss of productivity, disruption of critical business processes, and increased support costs due to device unavailability. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction or elevated privileges, insider threats or compromised low-privilege accounts could exploit it to cause disruptions. The widespread use of Android devices across Europe, including in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, increases the risk of operational impact. Additionally, organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face challenges in controlling vulnerable devices. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on interim mitigations to reduce risk. Although no data confidentiality or integrity is directly threatened, the availability impact alone can have cascading effects on organizational security and operational continuity.

Until an official patch is released by Google, European organizations should implement specific mitigations to reduce the risk of exploitation. These include: 1) Restricting local access to Android devices by enforcing strict device usage policies and limiting installation of untrusted applications that could exploit the vulnerability. 2) Employing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor device resource consumption and detect abnormal behavior indicative of resource exhaustion attacks. 3) Educating users about the risks of installing unverified apps and encouraging the use of official app stores only. 4) Applying runtime protections such as sandboxing and privilege restrictions to limit the ability of apps to access or manipulate InputMethodInfo components. 5) Preparing incident response plans to quickly identify and remediate denial of service conditions on affected devices. 6) Monitoring vendor communications closely for patch releases and applying updates promptly once available. 7) Considering temporary disabling or restricting input method services if feasible in high-risk environments. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access, monitoring resource usage, and preparing for rapid response.