CVE-2025-36887 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel component wl_cfgscan.c, specifically within the function wl_cfgscan_update_v3_schedscan_results(). The root cause is an incorrect bounds check that can lead to an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787). This type of memory corruption flaw can allow a local attacker to overwrite adjacent memory, potentially modifying kernel data structures or code pointers. Such manipulation can result in elevation of privilege, enabling the attacker to gain higher-level kernel privileges from a lower-privileged context. Notably, exploitation does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction, which lowers the barrier for successful attacks. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel, a critical component responsible for managing hardware and system resources on Android devices. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity, with metrics showing local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality (C:H), integrity (I:H), and availability (A:H). While no public exploits have been reported, the potential for serious compromise exists, especially on devices where local access is possible. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in September 2025, with no patch links currently available, suggesting that fixes may be forthcoming. This vulnerability is critical for Android device security, as it can undermine the kernel's integrity and allow attackers to bypass security controls, potentially leading to full device compromise.

The impact of CVE-2025-36887 is significant for organizations and individuals using Android devices. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to kernel level, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disabling of security features, and disruption of device functionality. For enterprises, this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within mobile device management environments or enable attackers to bypass endpoint security controls. The lack of required user interaction and low complexity of exploitation increase the risk, especially in environments where devices may be physically accessible or where malicious apps could gain limited local privileges. The vulnerability also poses a risk to supply chain security and could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations. Until patches are released and deployed, affected devices remain at risk, potentially undermining trust in Android device security.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36887, organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor for official security advisories and apply vendor-provided patches or kernel updates as soon as they become available. 2) Restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and limiting the installation of untrusted applications that could exploit local privileges. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, including restricting developer options and debugging features that could facilitate exploitation. 4) Use runtime protection and kernel integrity monitoring tools where available to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and the importance of device security hygiene. 6) For high-security environments, consider deploying additional endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for mobile platforms to identify suspicious local privilege escalation attempts. These steps, combined with timely patching, will reduce the attack surface and limit the potential for exploitation.