CVE-2025-9676 is a vulnerability identified in the NCSOFT Universe App versions up to 1.3.0, specifically related to improper export of Android application components declared in the AndroidManifest.xml file of the com.ncsoft.universeapp component. This vulnerability arises from incorrect configuration or manipulation of component export settings, which can lead to unauthorized access to app components that should otherwise be restricted. The attack requires local access to the device, meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the victim's Android device to exploit this flaw. No user interaction is required once local access is obtained, and the exploit is publicly available, increasing the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 4.8, categorized as medium severity, reflecting limited impact and exploitability factors. The weakness primarily affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a low to moderate level due to the limited scope of local access and the nature of the exported components. The vendor, NCSOFT, has not responded to the disclosure, and no patches or mitigations have been officially released. The improper export of components can allow malicious local apps or users to interact with sensitive parts of the Universe App, potentially leading to data leakage, unauthorized actions, or privilege escalation within the app context. Since the vulnerability is in the AndroidManifest.xml, it is related to the app's security boundary enforcement, which is critical for protecting app internals from unauthorized access by other apps or processes on the device.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-9676 depends largely on the prevalence of the NCSOFT Universe App within their user base or workforce. Organizations with employees or customers using this app on Android devices could face risks of local privilege escalation or data leakage if an attacker gains physical or local access to devices. This is particularly relevant for sectors with high security requirements such as finance, healthcare, or government, where even limited local exploits can lead to broader security incidents. The vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks where adversaries have temporary device access or through malicious apps installed on the same device. Although the vulnerability requires local access and does not involve remote exploitation, the availability of a public exploit increases the risk of opportunistic attacks. The lack of vendor response and patches means organizations must rely on internal controls and user awareness to mitigate risk. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is moderate, as unauthorized component access could expose sensitive app data or allow manipulation of app behavior. Availability impact is likely low but could occur if components critical to app operation are exploited.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement specific mitigations: 1) Enforce strict device security policies including strong authentication, device encryption, and remote wipe capabilities to reduce risk from lost or stolen devices. 2) Restrict installation of untrusted or third-party applications that could exploit the vulnerability by interacting with exported components. 3) Educate users about the risks of local device access and encourage vigilance against installing unknown apps or granting unnecessary permissions. 4) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app installations and permissions on corporate devices. 5) Where possible, isolate or sandbox the Universe App usage to limit the impact of component exploitation. 6) Monitor for suspicious local activity or inter-app communications that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Engage with NCSOFT or community forums for updates or unofficial patches and apply them promptly once available. 8) Consider alternative applications if the risk profile is unacceptable and no vendor remediation is forthcoming.