CVE-2025-48615 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system affecting versions 13 through 16. The flaw exists in the getComponentName method of the MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java component, where a resource exhaustion condition can cause a desynchronization in persistence mechanisms. This desync can be exploited locally to escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-400, indicating a resource exhaustion issue. The vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges on the device to increase their access rights, potentially gaining full control over the device’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low complexity, required privileges, and no user interaction. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk given the widespread use of Android devices and the critical role they play in both personal and enterprise environments. The lack of patches at the time of reporting means organizations must be vigilant and prepare to deploy fixes promptly once available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk, especially those with employees or operations relying heavily on Android devices. The ability to escalate privileges locally without user interaction means that if an attacker gains any form of local access—through physical access, malware, or other means—they could fully compromise the device. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and operations. Additionally, the widespread use of Android in mobile devices across Europe increases the attack surface. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, impacting BYOD policies and mobile workforce strategies.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Monitor official Google and Android security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once they become available to address CVE-2025-48615. 2) Restrict local device access to trusted personnel only, employing strong physical security controls and endpoint protection to prevent unauthorized local access. 3) Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, monitor device health, and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could facilitate local exploitation. 4) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified apps and the importance of device security hygiene. 5) Monitor device resource usage for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts related to resource exhaustion. 6) Consider network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of compromised devices on broader corporate networks. 7) Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing mobile device compromise scenarios.