CVE-2025-48639 is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability found in the Android operating system, specifically within the DefaultTransitionHandler.java component. The flaw stems from a tapjacking or overlay attack vector, where an attacker overlays a transparent or deceptive UI element over legitimate permission dialogs. This manipulation can cause users to unknowingly grant permissions to a malicious app, effectively bypassing intended security controls. The vulnerability does not require the attacker to have any prior execution privileges on the device, but it does require user interaction, such as tapping on the overlayed interface. The affected Android versions include 13, 14, 15, and 16, covering a wide range of currently supported releases. Although no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability poses a significant risk because it can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing malicious apps to perform actions beyond their original permission scope. The lack of a CVSS score indicates it is a newly disclosed issue, but the technical details suggest a serious security concern. The attack leverages social engineering combined with UI manipulation, making it a stealthy and effective method to compromise device security. The vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in securing user interactions and permission granting mechanisms on mobile platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data on employee devices, especially in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments where Android devices are prevalent. Malicious apps exploiting this flaw could escalate privileges locally, potentially bypassing security policies and accessing confidential information or corporate resources. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or unauthorized network access. The requirement for user interaction means that phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to trigger exploitation, increasing the risk to organizations with less security-aware users. The broad range of affected Android versions means many devices in use across Europe are vulnerable, potentially impacting sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government where mobile security is critical. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged to install persistent malware or spyware, undermining endpoint security and complicating incident response efforts.

Organizations should implement several targeted mitigations beyond generic advice: 1) Monitor for and restrict apps requesting overlay permissions (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW), as these are commonly used in tapjacking attacks. 2) Educate users to recognize suspicious permission prompts and avoid interacting with unexpected dialogs, especially those requesting elevated permissions. 3) Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce strict app installation policies and limit the installation of apps from untrusted sources. 4) Use Android Enterprise security features to isolate work profiles and reduce the impact of compromised personal apps. 5) Once patches are released by Google, prioritize rapid deployment of updates across all affected Android devices. 6) Implement runtime monitoring to detect unusual permission changes or privilege escalations on devices. 7) Encourage users to disable or limit overlay permissions for apps that do not require them for core functionality. These steps will reduce the attack surface and limit the effectiveness of tapjacking attempts.