CVE-2025-36928 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the GetHostAddress function of the gxp_buffer.h component. The root cause is an out-of-bounds write resulting from an incorrect bounds check, which can corrupt memory and lead to an elevation of privilege. This vulnerability allows a local attacker, who already has limited execution privileges on the device, to escalate their privileges without requiring any additional execution rights or user interaction. The flaw is categorized under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that it involves unsafe memory operations that can be exploited to alter program control flow or data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that the attack requires local access, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and results in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature makes it a serious concern for Android devices, which are widely used in both consumer and enterprise environments. The lack of a patch link suggests that fixes may still be pending or in development. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious local applications or attackers who gain limited access to the device to gain full control, potentially compromising sensitive data or disrupting device operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Android devices in corporate environments, including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive corporate data, install persistent malware, or disrupt device functionality. This is particularly critical for sectors relying on mobile devices for secure communications, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that data breaches, unauthorized access, and service interruptions could occur. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used as a stepping stone for lateral movement within networks if compromised devices are connected to corporate infrastructure. The absence of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the urgency for mitigation. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face increased exposure if unmanaged or personal devices are vulnerable.

Organizations should prioritize applying official security patches from Google and device manufacturers as soon as they become available. Until patches are deployed, implementing strict device management policies is critical, including restricting installation of untrusted applications and enforcing least privilege principles. Employ Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor device integrity and detect anomalous local privilege escalation attempts. Regularly audit and limit local user accounts and permissions on Android devices to reduce the attack surface. Educate users about the risks of installing unknown or unverified applications that could exploit local vulnerabilities. For high-risk environments, consider isolating critical Android devices from sensitive networks or data. Additionally, monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit activity related to this CVE. Finally, ensure backup and recovery processes are in place to mitigate potential data loss or device compromise.