CVE-2025-36918 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the aoc_service_read_message function of the aoc_ipc_core.c source file. The flaw arises from an out-of-bounds read caused by improper input validation, which can lead to a local elevation of privilege. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must already have system execution privileges on the device, but no user interaction is required, meaning the exploit can be triggered programmatically once local access is obtained. The vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges beyond their current level, potentially gaining full control over the affected Android device. This could enable unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system settings, or installation of persistent malware. The affected component is the Android kernel, a critical part of the operating system responsible for managing hardware and system resources. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that once exploited, it could be leveraged to bypass security mechanisms and compromise device integrity. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and pending further assessment. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. Since the Android kernel is widely used across millions of devices globally, the scope of affected systems is extensive. However, exploitation requires local system execution privileges, limiting the initial attack vector to users or processes with some level of access. No user interaction is needed, which increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation once local access is gained.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36918 can be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, mobile workforce, or critical infrastructure management. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access confidential information, or disrupt device functionality. This could compromise corporate data confidentiality and integrity, and potentially availability if the attacker installs persistent malware or disrupts system processes. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and regulatory requirements. Additionally, Android devices used as endpoints in corporate networks could serve as pivot points for lateral movement within internal systems. The lack of user interaction requirement means that once local access is obtained, exploitation can be automated, increasing the risk of widespread compromise in environments with many Android devices. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in the kernel layer makes it a high-value target for attackers aiming to gain persistent and stealthy control over devices.

1. Monitor for official security advisories and apply vendor-provided patches or updates to the Android kernel as soon as they become available. 2. Enforce strict access controls on Android devices to limit local system execution privileges only to trusted users and applications. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, restrict installation of untrusted applications, and monitor device integrity. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting unusual privilege escalation attempts or kernel-level anomalies on Android devices. 5. Educate users about the risks of granting elevated privileges to applications and the importance of device security hygiene. 6. Implement network segmentation to isolate Android devices from critical infrastructure where feasible, reducing the impact of a compromised device. 7. Regularly audit device configurations and installed software to identify and remediate unauthorized changes or suspicious activity. 8. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or kernel integrity monitoring tools that can detect exploitation attempts targeting kernel vulnerabilities.