CVE-2025-48614 is a denial of service vulnerability affecting Google Android versions 13 through 16. The issue resides in the rebootWipeUserData method within RecoverySystem.java, where a missing permission check allows an attacker to initiate a factory reset while the device is operating in Dynamic System Updates (DSU) mode. DSU mode is a feature that enables users and developers to load and test new Android system images without modifying the device's primary system partition. Due to the lack of proper permission validation, an attacker can invoke this function to wipe user data forcibly, causing a physical denial of service by rendering the device unusable until it is reconfigured. Notably, exploitation does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction, which lowers the barrier for attackers to disrupt devices. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to device availability, particularly in environments where DSU mode is enabled or used for testing. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that this vulnerability is newly disclosed, but the technical details suggest a high impact on availability with straightforward exploitation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions, especially for enterprises relying heavily on Android devices for daily business operations, mobile workforce management, or development and testing environments using DSU mode. The forced factory reset wipes all user data, leading to loss of critical information, downtime, and potential costs associated with device reconfiguration and data recovery. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use Android devices for secure communications and field operations, may face increased risks of service interruptions. Additionally, organizations using mobile device management (MDM) solutions that enable DSU mode for testing updates or custom images could inadvertently expose themselves to this threat. The lack of required authentication or user interaction means that remote or local attackers with access to the device could exploit this vulnerability easily, amplifying the risk of widespread denial of service incidents.

Organizations should prioritize applying official patches from Google as soon as they become available to address the missing permission check in rebootWipeUserData. Until patches are deployed, it is advisable to restrict or disable DSU mode usage on corporate devices, especially those used in sensitive or critical environments. Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies should be reviewed and updated to prevent unauthorized activation of DSU mode or factory reset commands. Monitoring device logs for unexpected reboot or wipe commands can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should educate users and administrators about the risks associated with DSU mode and enforce strict access controls to devices to minimize the risk of local exploitation. For development teams, isolating test devices from production environments can reduce the impact of potential attacks leveraging this vulnerability.