CVE-2025-36936 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the GetTachyonCommand function in tachyon_server_common.h. The root cause is an integer overflow that results in an out-of-bounds write operation. This type of flaw falls under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound). The vulnerability allows a local attacker with limited privileges to perform a write beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical kernel data structures. This can lead to an elevation of privilege, granting the attacker higher-level access without needing additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel, which is a core component of the operating system, meaning exploitation can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack vector is local, requires low attack complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts all three security properties severely. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is serious due to the potential for full system compromise. The flaw was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, but no patches are listed yet, indicating that affected users should monitor vendor updates closely. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by malicious apps or local attackers who have limited access, making it a significant threat in environments where Android devices are widely used.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for mobile workforce operations, secure communications, or sensitive data access. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, access confidential information, install persistent malware, or disrupt device availability. This could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or operational disruptions. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, compromised devices may require full reimaging or replacement. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy exploitation. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or those using Android-based IoT devices could see broader exposure. The impact extends to sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where mobile device security is paramount. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity demands urgent attention.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Monitor for and apply official security patches from Google or device manufacturers as soon as they become available. 2) Enforce strict app installation policies, limiting installations to trusted sources and using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and behavior. 3) Employ runtime protections such as SELinux enforcing mode and kernel hardening features to reduce the impact of kernel exploits. 4) Conduct regular security audits and monitoring of device logs to detect unusual local activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of device updates. 6) For high-risk environments, consider isolating sensitive Android devices or using hardware-backed security features like Trusted Execution Environments (TEE). 7) Review and limit local access to devices, especially in shared or public environments, to reduce the attack surface. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on proactive patch management, strict access control, and layered defense mechanisms tailored to kernel-level vulnerabilities.