CVE-2025-9098 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in Elseplus File Recovery App version 4.4.21 for Android. The root cause lies in the improper export of Android application components due to misconfiguration or manipulation of the AndroidManifest.xml file. This file controls the declaration of app components such as activities, services, broadcast receivers, and content providers, and their export status determines whether these components can be accessed by other apps or processes. Improper export means that components intended to be private or restricted are exposed to other local apps or processes on the device. The vulnerability requires local access to the device, meaning an attacker must have some level of physical or local control over the device or be able to execute code locally. No user interaction or authentication is required to exploit the vulnerability once local access is obtained. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low complexity (AC:L), low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and partial impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L). The vulnerability does not involve network attack vectors and is limited to local exploitation. The vendor has been notified but has not responded or issued a patch, and no known exploits are currently in the wild. The disclosure is public, which increases the risk of exploitation by local attackers or malicious apps already installed on the device. The vulnerability could allow unauthorized local apps to interact with exposed components, potentially leading to data leakage, unauthorized operations, or privilege escalation within the app's context.

For European organizations, especially those with employees or customers using Elseplus File Recovery App on Android devices, this vulnerability poses a risk of local data compromise or unauthorized access to app functionality. While the attack requires local access, this could be achieved through malicious apps installed on employee devices, insider threats, or physical access to devices. Sensitive recovered files or app data could be exposed or manipulated, impacting confidentiality and integrity. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., GDPR-protected personal data) could face compliance risks if data leakage occurs. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against mobile users within organizations, potentially serving as a foothold for further lateral movement or data exfiltration. However, the lack of network-based exploitation limits the threat to scenarios where attackers have some device access. The absence of vendor response and patches increases the window of exposure, requiring organizations to take proactive measures. Overall, the impact is moderate but relevant for organizations relying on this app or similar Android environments where local privilege escalation or component exposure can be leveraged.

1. Immediately audit and inventory Android devices within the organization to identify installations of Elseplus File Recovery App version 4.4.21. 2. Remove or restrict usage of the vulnerable app until a patched version is available. 3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to prevent installation of untrusted or unnecessary apps, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 4. Enforce strict app permission controls and monitor for suspicious app behavior that could exploit exported components. 5. Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and the importance of device physical security. 6. Monitor Android device logs and behavior for signs of exploitation attempts targeting local app components. 7. If possible, use Android security features such as app sandboxing, SELinux policies, and verified boot to limit the impact of local exploits. 8. Engage with the vendor or community to track patch releases and apply updates promptly once available. 9. Consider alternative file recovery solutions with better security track records if the app remains unpatched. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on device-level controls, app inventory, and user education specific to the nature of this local component export vulnerability.