CVE-2025-36925
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on affected Android devices through an out-of-bounds write in the WAVES audio processing library. Attackers can exploit this without user interaction or additional privileges to gain elevated system access. Primarily affects Google Pixel devices running vulnerable Android versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel devices
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, install persistent malware, access sensitive data, and bypass security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to gain root access, install malicious applications, or modify system settings on compromised devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched, have strict app permissions, and run with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no user interaction. The vulnerability is in a system library, making reliable exploitation non-trivial but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: December 2025 Android Security Patch or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2025-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install December 2025 security patch or later. 3. Reboot device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary audio processing features
androidReduce attack surface by disabling WAVES audio enhancements if not required
Restrict app permissions
androidLimit audio-related permissions for untrusted applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict application allowlisting and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If before December 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm security patch level shows 'December 1, 2025' or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious audio service crashes
- Anomalous system library access patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="audio" AND action="crash")