CVE-2025-48628 is a vulnerability identified in the PrintManagerService.java component of Google Android operating system versions 13 through 16. The vulnerability stems from a confused deputy problem in the validateIconUserBoundary function, which is responsible for validating user boundaries when handling icon images in the print service. This flaw allows an attacker with local access to cause a cross-user image leak, effectively bypassing user boundary checks and exposing image data belonging to other users on the same device. The vulnerability can be exploited without any user interaction and does not require additional execution privileges beyond limited local privileges. The impact includes potential local escalation of privilege, enabling an attacker to gain higher access rights on the device, which can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with metrics indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of affected Android versions and the critical nature of privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The CWE-441 classification highlights the issue as an improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a user, leading to information disclosure. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates proactive mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a significant risk, particularly for enterprises relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, including mobile workforce and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments. The ability to escalate privileges locally without user interaction means that any compromised or malicious insider device can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system functions. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, or disruption of services. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies are at heightened risk. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks if Android devices are used as entry points. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains. Organizations with stringent data protection requirements under GDPR must consider the implications of such a vulnerability on personal data security and compliance.

1. Monitor official Google and Android security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once they become available to address CVE-2025-48628. 2. Restrict local access to Android devices, enforcing strong authentication and device management policies to limit the risk of local exploitation. 3. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations, monitor device behavior, and remotely manage or quarantine compromised devices. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications or granting unnecessary permissions that could facilitate local privilege escalation. 5. Implement network segmentation and endpoint detection to limit the impact of compromised devices and detect anomalous activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on mobile device security to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively. 7. Consider disabling or restricting the use of printing services on devices where not essential, reducing the attack surface related to PrintManagerService. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to mobile device compromise scenarios.