CVE-2025-36898 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
There is a possible escalation of privilege due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical logic error within system code that enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The flaw exists at the core level of the system's access control mechanisms, where improper validation or decision-making processes allow an attacker to elevate their privileges from a standard user account to administrative or root level access. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation indicates that exploitation occurs within the same system or network segment, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional network-based security controls. The absence of user interaction requirements means that an attacker can leverage this vulnerability automatically without needing to deceive users through social engineering or other deceptive means.
The technical implementation of this logic error likely involves flawed permission checking routines or improper privilege validation mechanisms within the operating system kernel or critical system services. Such flaws typically arise from inadequate input validation, improper state management, or incorrect access control logic that fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability could stem from various sources including buffer overflow conditions, race conditions, or improper handling of privilege levels during system calls. These types of issues often manifest when developers assume certain conditions will always hold true or fail to account for all possible execution paths within their code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple access control as it can potentially allow attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and security posture as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges without additional attack vectors. The local nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need to perform network reconnaissance or exploit external vulnerabilities to gain initial access. Once the privilege escalation is achieved, attackers can manipulate system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire system or network segment. The vulnerability's characteristics align with common attack patterns identified in the attack tree methodology where attackers can leverage low-cost initial access to achieve high-value objectives. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have standard accounts while system administrators maintain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations must prioritize applying vendor-provided security updates and patches to address the underlying logic error. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as privilege separation, mandatory access controls, and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced more rigorously, ensuring that users only have the minimum permissions necessary for their operational requirements. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts and unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation. This vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation tools and malware, so organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to identify and mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with common attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy and represents a critical area for defensive security measures as identified in the cyber kill chain model.