CVE-2025-22435 is a security vulnerability identified in the Android operating system, specifically affecting versions 13, 14, and 15. The flaw exists in the avdt_msg_ind function within the avdt_msg.cc source file, which is part of the Android Bluetooth stack. The vulnerability arises from a type confusion issue that can cause memory corruption. Type confusion occurs when a program mistakenly treats a piece of memory as a different type than it actually is, potentially leading to undefined behavior including memory corruption. In this case, the corrupted memory can be exploited by a paired Bluetooth device to escalate privileges on the affected Android device. Notably, the exploit does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction, meaning that once a device is paired via Bluetooth, an attacker controlling the paired device can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges on the target device. This elevation of privilege could allow the attacker to bypass security restrictions, access sensitive data, or execute arbitrary code with higher privileges. The vulnerability is significant because it affects multiple recent Android versions, which are widely deployed globally. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, the lack of required user interaction and the ability to escalate privileges from a paired device make this a serious threat. The absence of a CVSS score means the severity must be assessed based on the technical details and potential impact. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it represents a critical risk to device security and user privacy.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially for enterprises that rely heavily on Android devices for daily operations, including mobile workforce management, secure communications, and access to corporate resources. The ability for an attacker to escalate privileges without user interaction means that compromised paired devices could silently gain control over sensitive corporate data or systems. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, and potential disruption of business processes. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies in Europe, which often use Android devices for secure communications and data handling, could face increased risks of espionage or data theft. The vulnerability could also be exploited in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations, leveraging Bluetooth pairing relationships to bypass traditional security controls. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe, the threat surface is large, and the potential for lateral movement within corporate networks via compromised devices is a significant concern.

1. Immediate patching: Organizations should prioritize updating all Android devices to the latest available security patches once Google releases a fix for this vulnerability. 2. Bluetooth pairing management: Limit Bluetooth pairing to trusted devices only and regularly audit paired devices on corporate Android devices to remove any unnecessary or unknown pairings. 3. Device usage policies: Implement strict policies restricting the use of Bluetooth in sensitive environments or on devices handling critical data. 4. Network segmentation: Isolate mobile devices from critical network segments to reduce the impact of a compromised device. 5. Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Deploy EDR solutions capable of monitoring for unusual privilege escalations or suspicious Bluetooth activity on Android devices. 6. User awareness: Educate users about the risks of pairing with unknown Bluetooth devices and encourage reporting of suspicious device behavior. 7. Access control: Enforce least privilege principles on Android devices and use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations and monitor device compliance. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.