CVE-2025-36931 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the GetHostAddress function of the gxp_buffer.h file. The root cause is a missing bounds check that leads to a possible out-of-bounds write, which can corrupt memory and allow an attacker to escalate privileges locally. This vulnerability does not require the attacker to have any additional execution privileges or user interaction, meaning that any local process with limited permissions could exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges on the device. The Android kernel is a core component responsible for managing hardware and system resources, so a compromise here can have severe consequences, including full device compromise or bypass of security controls. Although there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical concern for Android device security. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Android kernel that include the vulnerable code, which implies a broad potential attack surface given Android's widespread use. The flaw could be leveraged by malicious applications or attackers with local access to elevate their privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, or disruption of device functionality. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating a recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigation links are currently provided, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prompt action once fixes are released.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36931 can be significant due to the widespread use of Android devices in both consumer and enterprise environments. Privilege escalation on Android devices can lead to unauthorized access to corporate data, interception of communications, and installation of persistent malware that evades detection. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where sensitive information is handled on mobile devices. The vulnerability could also undermine mobile device management (MDM) solutions and endpoint security controls, weakening the overall security posture. Additionally, organizations relying on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies may face increased risk as attackers could exploit this flaw on employee devices to pivot into corporate networks. The lack of required user interaction and no need for additional privileges lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the threat level. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, operational disruption, and reputational damage. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk remains high due to the critical nature of the kernel-level flaw.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36931 effectively, European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach. First, monitor vendor announcements closely and prioritize the deployment of official patches or security updates from Google or device manufacturers as soon as they become available. In the interim, enforce strict application sandboxing and privilege separation to limit the ability of local applications to exploit kernel vulnerabilities. Employ mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources and enforce policies that minimize the number of privileged apps on devices. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on mobile fleets to identify and remediate potential attack vectors. For organizations with BYOD policies, enforce strong endpoint security controls and consider isolating corporate data using containerization or virtualization technologies. Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and the importance of timely updates. Finally, implement robust logging and monitoring to detect suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.