CVE-2025-36905 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the function gxp_mapping_create in the gxp_mapping.c source file. The root cause is a logic error that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means an attacker who already has limited access to the device can exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges, potentially full kernel-level control. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-693, which relates to protection mechanism failures due to logic errors. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel, which is a core component of the Android operating system used in billions of mobile devices worldwide. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for local privilege escalation makes this a significant threat, especially for devices running vulnerable Android kernel versions. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, or disrupt device functionality.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36905 can be substantial, particularly for enterprises relying on Android devices for business operations, mobile workforce, or IoT deployments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to corporate data stored or accessed on Android devices, compromise of device integrity, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe in both consumer and enterprise environments, this vulnerability poses a risk to data confidentiality and operational continuity. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies that use Android-based mobile devices or embedded systems could face increased risk of targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability. Furthermore, the lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for attackers to exploit this flaw, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks in environments where devices are physically accessible or already partially compromised.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36905, organizations should prioritize applying official security patches from Google or device manufacturers as soon as they become available. Since no patch links are currently provided, monitoring vendor advisories and Android security bulletins is essential. In the interim, organizations should enforce strict device management policies, including restricting installation of untrusted applications, employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations, and limiting physical access to devices. Employing runtime protection mechanisms such as SELinux enforcing mode and kernel integrity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits of Android devices, ensure timely OS updates, and educate users about the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities. For high-risk environments, consider isolating critical Android devices from sensitive networks or data until patches are applied.