CVE-2025-48607 is a vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 15 and 16 involving a logic error that allows the creation of an excessive number of app operations (app ops). App ops are a mechanism in Android that manages permissions and operations for apps. Due to a flaw in the code, an attacker can trigger the creation of a large volume of these app ops, which can overwhelm system resources, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition locally on the device. The vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges, meaning that any local user or process can exploit it without needing root or elevated permissions. Furthermore, no user interaction is necessary, which increases the risk of automated or background exploitation. The vulnerability is purely a resource exhaustion or logic flaw leading to availability issues rather than compromising confidentiality or integrity. As of the publication date, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been linked, indicating that mitigation relies on vendor updates once released. The flaw affects Android versions 15 and 16, which are recent major releases and likely deployed on a significant number of devices globally, including in Europe. The lack of a CVSS score requires an assessment based on the impact and exploitability factors. The flaw’s local nature limits remote exploitation but does not require user interaction or privileges, making it relatively easy to exploit by local attackers or malicious apps. The scope is limited to affected Android devices but could impact a broad user base given Android’s market share. This vulnerability could disrupt mobile device availability, affecting business continuity for organizations relying on Android devices for communication, authentication, or mobile operations.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-48607 is the potential disruption of mobile device availability due to local denial of service conditions. This could affect employees using Android devices for critical business functions, including secure communications, access to corporate resources, and mobile applications. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those deploying Android devices in operational technology environments may experience operational interruptions. The vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow privilege escalation, so confidentiality and integrity impacts are minimal. However, the availability impact could lead to productivity losses, delayed responses, and increased support costs. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure in Europe, which rely heavily on mobile device availability and security, could be particularly affected. Additionally, organizations with large mobile workforces or those using Android devices for multi-factor authentication may face increased risk of service degradation. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but underscores the need for proactive mitigation and monitoring.

1. Monitor Android device behavior for unusual app ops creation or resource exhaustion symptoms to detect potential exploitation attempts early. 2. Restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and limiting the installation of untrusted applications that could trigger the vulnerability. 3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, control app installations, and monitor device health. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of device security hygiene. 5. Apply security updates and patches from Google or device manufacturers promptly once they become available to address the vulnerability. 6. Consider deploying endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous app behavior related to app ops. 7. For critical environments, evaluate the feasibility of temporarily restricting use of affected Android versions until patches are applied. 8. Engage with vendors and security communities to stay informed about exploit developments and mitigation strategies.