CVE-2025-48629 is a vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically within the VoiceInteractionManagerService component. The issue lies in the findAvailRecognizer method of VoiceInteractionManagerService.java, where an insecure default value allows an attacker to manipulate which app is set as the default speech recognizer. By exploiting this flaw, a local attacker can escalate privileges without needing additional execution rights or any user interaction, effectively becoming the default speech recognizer app. This elevated privilege could allow the attacker to intercept or manipulate voice input, access sensitive data, or perform actions with higher privileges than normally permitted. The affected Android versions include 13, 14, 15, and 16, covering a wide range of currently supported devices. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant concern. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on impact and exploitability factors. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited locally, it poses a direct risk to device security and user privacy. The absence of patch links suggests that fixes may still be pending or in development.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation on employee or corporate devices running affected Android versions. Attackers gaining elevated privileges could intercept sensitive voice commands, access confidential information, or manipulate device behavior, potentially compromising corporate data confidentiality and integrity. This is particularly concerning for organizations relying on voice-controlled applications or sensitive mobile workflows. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if compromised devices are connected to corporate resources. Given the widespread use of Android devices in Europe, including in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, the impact could be significant if exploited at scale. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing risk. However, the local nature of the exploit means attackers must have some level of access to the device, which somewhat limits remote exploitation scenarios.

Organizations should prioritize monitoring for updates from Google and Android device manufacturers to apply patches as soon as they become available. Until patches are released, restricting installation of apps from untrusted sources can reduce the risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability. Employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce app whitelisting and restrict permissions can further mitigate risk. Regularly auditing installed apps and their permissions on corporate devices can help detect unauthorized changes to default speech recognizer settings. Educating users about the risks of installing unverified apps and encouraging the use of official app stores will also reduce exposure. For high-security environments, consider disabling voice interaction features if not required. Additionally, monitoring device logs for unusual changes in default recognizer settings or unexpected app behavior may provide early indicators of exploitation attempts.