CVE-2025-36936 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically within the GetTachyonCommand function of the tachyon_server_common.h component. The root cause is an integer overflow that results in an out-of-bounds write operation. This type of memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior, including the potential for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, which significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation. An attacker with local access—such as through a malicious app or compromised user account—could leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges on the device, potentially gaining kernel-level access. This could allow them to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or install persistent malware. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel, which is integral to the operating system and present on virtually all Android devices globally. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the absence of patches and the critical nature of the kernel make this a serious concern. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and still under assessment, but the technical details suggest a high severity due to the potential impact and ease of exploitation. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating a relatively recent discovery. The absence of patches at the time of publication means that organizations must be vigilant and prepare for imminent updates from Google.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-36936 could be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Android devices for business operations, communications, or critical infrastructure management. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected devices, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, interception of communications, or installation of persistent malware that could evade detection. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where Android devices are commonly used, the risk is amplified. The ability to escalate privileges without user interaction increases the threat level, as attackers do not need to trick users into performing actions. Additionally, the widespread use of Android in mobile workforces across Europe means that the attack surface is large. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or less stringent mobile device management may be particularly vulnerable. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the situation could evolve rapidly once exploit code becomes available.

To mitigate CVE-2025-36936, European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach: 1) Monitor official Google security advisories closely and prioritize the deployment of patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available to address this kernel vulnerability. 2) Enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies that limit installation of untrusted applications and restrict local access to devices, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to minimize the ability of malicious apps to execute code that could trigger the vulnerability. 4) Limit physical and local access to devices, especially in high-risk environments, to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the flaw. 5) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring for unusual privilege escalation attempts or kernel-level anomalies on Android devices. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources and encourage adherence to security best practices. 7) Prepare incident response plans that include scenarios involving local privilege escalation on mobile devices. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access vectors and preparing for rapid patch deployment.