CVE-2025-48620 is a vulnerability identified in the VoiceInteractionManagerService.java file within the Android operating system, specifically in the onSomePackagesChanged method. The issue stems from a logic error that causes the component name of a third-party application to remain registered or persist even after the application has been uninstalled. This persistence can be leveraged by a local attacker to escalate privileges on the device without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The flaw effectively allows a malicious actor with local access to the device to gain higher-level permissions than intended, potentially bypassing security controls. The vulnerability affects Android versions 13, 14, 15, and 16, which represent recent and actively supported releases. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of the vulnerability—local privilege escalation without user interaction—makes it a significant risk, especially on devices that handle sensitive information or are used in enterprise contexts. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has not yet been fully assessed for severity, but the technical details suggest a serious impact on device security. The flaw is rooted in the Android framework's handling of package changes and voice interaction services, which are critical components for device operation and user interaction. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially manipulate voice interaction components or other system services to gain unauthorized access or control. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe, particularly in mobile and IoT contexts, this vulnerability poses a notable threat vector that requires prompt attention and remediation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48620 could be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, communications, or as part of their IoT infrastructure. The ability for a local attacker to escalate privileges without user interaction means that compromised or physically accessed devices could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data or systems. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized modifications, or disruption of services. The persistence of a component name after app uninstallation could also complicate incident response and forensic investigations, as it may mask the presence of malicious components. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where mobile device security is paramount, could face elevated risks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or employees with privileged access. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the broad affected version range means many devices remain vulnerable. The impact extends beyond individual devices to potentially compromise enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions and connected systems that rely on Android devices for authentication or control.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48620, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor for and promptly apply official security patches from Google or device manufacturers as they become available for Android versions 13 through 16. 2) Implement strict device access controls to limit local access to Android devices, including enforcing strong authentication and physical security measures. 3) Audit and monitor device management logs for anomalies related to package changes or voice interaction services that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting unusual privilege escalations or persistence mechanisms on Android devices. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of secure device handling to reduce the likelihood of local compromise. 6) For organizations using enterprise mobility management (EMM) platforms, ensure policies are updated to detect and remediate residual components from uninstalled applications. 7) Consider network segmentation and limiting the exposure of Android devices to sensitive internal systems until patches are applied. 8) Engage in threat hunting activities focused on local privilege escalation techniques to identify potential exploitation. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the unique persistence mechanism and local attack vector of this vulnerability.