CVE-2025-36896
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the WLAN subsystem of Android on Google Pixel devices allows local attackers to gain elevated privileges on the device. It affects Google Pixel devices running Android versions before the September 2025 security patch. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code with system-level permissions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel devices
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent malware, access all user data, intercept communications, and maintain persistent control over the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps to break out of sandbox and access sensitive system resources, user data, or other apps' data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and have proper app sandboxing and security controls enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to device or ability to install malicious app. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level 2025-09-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2025-09-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System > System update on Pixel device. 2. Check for and install available updates. 3. Ensure device shows 'Security patch level: September 5, 2025' or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WLAN
androidTemporarily disable wireless networking to prevent exploitation via WLAN subsystem
adb shell svc wifi disable
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Turn off
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch level. If date is before September 5, 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Security patch level shows 'September 5, 2025' or later date after applying update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual WLAN driver activity
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Suspicious app behavior attempting to access WLAN subsystem
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WLAN traffic patterns from Pixel devices
- Suspicious network activity from elevated processes
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="wlan*" AND severity="high")