CVE-2025-36922: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
In bigo_map of bigo_iommu.c, there is a possible information disclosure due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the OS Kernel level with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-36922 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel's bigo_iommu.c component, specifically in the bigo_map function. The root cause is a use-after-free condition (CWE-416), where memory is accessed after it has been freed, leading to potential information disclosure. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker who already has system execution privileges on the device to escalate their privileges to the kernel level. The kernel-level escalation allows the attacker to bypass security boundaries, potentially gaining full control over the device, including access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and disruption of system availability. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it more dangerous in scenarios where an attacker has local access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting a medium severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability but limited by the requirement of high privileges for exploitation. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, emphasizing the need for vigilance and timely patching once fixes are released. This vulnerability affects all Android devices running the vulnerable kernel versions, which are widely deployed globally.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-36922 is significant for organizations and individuals using Android devices, especially those relying on the security of the kernel for device integrity and data protection. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with system-level privileges to escalate to kernel-level privileges, effectively gaining full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, installation of persistent malware, disruption of device operations, and bypassing of security controls. For enterprises, this could mean compromised mobile endpoints, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. The lack of required user interaction increases the risk in environments where attackers have some level of access but cannot rely on user actions. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in the widely used Android kernel makes it a critical concern for mobile security worldwide.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-36922, organizations should: 1) Monitor official Google and Android security advisories for patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them immediately upon release. 2) Limit system execution privileges on Android devices by enforcing the principle of least privilege and restricting access to trusted applications only. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control and monitor device configurations and privilege escalations. 4) Use kernel integrity monitoring tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of granting elevated privileges to applications and the importance of installing updates promptly. 6) For high-security environments, consider deploying additional endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting kernel-level exploits. 7) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on privilege escalation vectors within Android devices. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing privilege management, monitoring, and proactive detection.
Affected Countries
United States, China, India, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Russia, France, Canada, Australia
CVE-2025-36922: Elevation of privilege in Google Android
Description
In bigo_map of bigo_iommu.c, there is a possible information disclosure due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the OS Kernel level with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-36922 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel's bigo_iommu.c component, specifically in the bigo_map function. The root cause is a use-after-free condition (CWE-416), where memory is accessed after it has been freed, leading to potential information disclosure. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker who already has system execution privileges on the device to escalate their privileges to the kernel level. The kernel-level escalation allows the attacker to bypass security boundaries, potentially gaining full control over the device, including access to sensitive data, modification of system files, and disruption of system availability. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it more dangerous in scenarios where an attacker has local access. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7, reflecting a medium severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability but limited by the requirement of high privileges for exploitation. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, emphasizing the need for vigilance and timely patching once fixes are released. This vulnerability affects all Android devices running the vulnerable kernel versions, which are widely deployed globally.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-36922 is significant for organizations and individuals using Android devices, especially those relying on the security of the kernel for device integrity and data protection. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with system-level privileges to escalate to kernel-level privileges, effectively gaining full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, installation of persistent malware, disruption of device operations, and bypassing of security controls. For enterprises, this could mean compromised mobile endpoints, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. The lack of required user interaction increases the risk in environments where attackers have some level of access but cannot rely on user actions. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in the widely used Android kernel makes it a critical concern for mobile security worldwide.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2025-36922, organizations should: 1) Monitor official Google and Android security advisories for patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them immediately upon release. 2) Limit system execution privileges on Android devices by enforcing the principle of least privilege and restricting access to trusted applications only. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control and monitor device configurations and privilege escalations. 4) Use kernel integrity monitoring tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of granting elevated privileges to applications and the importance of installing updates promptly. 6) For high-security environments, consider deploying additional endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting kernel-level exploits. 7) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on privilege escalation vectors within Android devices. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing privilege management, monitoring, and proactive detection.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Google_Devices
- Date Reserved
- 2025-04-16T00:33:34.962Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 693b21657d4c6f31f7c35322
Added to database: 12/11/2025, 7:54:13 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 6:36:22 AM
Last updated: 3/25/2026, 4:20:56 PM
Views: 90
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