CVE-2025-36925 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically in the WAVES_send_data_to_dsp function within the libaoc_waves.c source file. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check that leads to an out-of-bounds write condition. This memory corruption flaw can be exploited locally by an attacker who already has access to the device but lacks elevated privileges. Because the vulnerability does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction, an attacker with local access can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges to kernel level, gaining full control over the device. The Android kernel is a critical component that manages hardware interactions and system security, so a successful exploit could allow attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or access sensitive data. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, but no public exploits have been reported yet. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and pending further assessment. The affected component is part of the audio processing subsystem, which is commonly present in Android devices, making the attack surface broad. The flaw's exploitation complexity is low since it requires no user interaction and no additional privileges beyond local access. This elevates the risk for devices that may be physically accessed or compromised through other means such as malicious apps or insider threats.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36925 could be significant, particularly for those with large deployments of Android devices used for business operations, mobile workforce, or IoT devices running Android kernels. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain kernel-level privileges, leading to full device compromise. This could result in unauthorized data access, disruption of device functionality, installation of persistent malware, or use of compromised devices as pivot points for lateral movement within corporate networks. The vulnerability's local nature means it could be exploited by insiders or malware that has already gained limited access, escalating the threat level. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure that rely heavily on mobile security could face increased risks. Additionally, the lack of user interaction requirement facilitates stealthy exploitation, complicating detection and response efforts. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the broad presence of Android devices in Europe means the potential attack surface is large.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36925, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor vendor announcements and apply official Android kernel patches as soon as they become available to close the vulnerability. 2) Restrict local device access by enforcing strong physical security controls and limiting administrative privileges on Android devices. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, monitor device integrity, and control app installations to reduce the risk of local compromise. 4) Utilize kernel hardening features such as SELinux enforcing mode, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and control flow integrity (CFI) to increase exploitation difficulty. 5) Conduct regular security audits and endpoint monitoring to detect suspicious local activity indicative of privilege escalation attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications or connecting to insecure networks that could facilitate initial local access. 7) For organizations deploying custom Android builds or IoT devices, ensure secure coding practices and thorough testing of kernel modules to prevent similar vulnerabilities. These targeted measures go beyond generic patching and help reduce the attack surface and impact of exploitation.