CVE-2025-36905 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
In gxp_mapping_create of gxp_mapping.c, there is a possible privilege escalation 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-36905 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the gxp_mapping_create function of the gxp_mapping.c source file. This issue falls under the category of logic errors that can be exploited to elevate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in security contexts. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in the code's logic that allows unauthorized users to gain elevated system privileges through legitimate system calls or operations.
This type of vulnerability typically manifests when the software fails to properly validate or enforce access controls during critical operations. The gxp_mapping_create function appears to contain a logic error that permits unauthorized privilege escalation, potentially allowing a local attacker to execute code with higher privileges than initially granted. Such flaws often arise from inadequate input validation, improper access control checks, or flawed privilege management within kernel-level or system-level code. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that any local user with basic system access could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates by exploiting a flaw in the privilege management system where the code does not properly enforce or validate the privileges required for mapping operations. The logic error could involve incorrect privilege checks, improper handling of privilege transitions, or failure to validate the security context of the calling process. This creates an opening where a malicious user could manipulate the system state to bypass normal access controls and elevate their privileges to root or administrative levels. The vulnerability's impact is significant because it allows for local privilege escalation without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction, making it highly exploitable in environments where local access is possible.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise. Once escalated, an attacker could modify system files, install malicious software, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The lack of user interaction requirements means that automated exploitation becomes possible, increasing the attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where local access is common. Organizations with systems containing this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes that address the specific logic error within the gxp_mapping_create function. The most effective approach involves implementing proper privilege validation checks, ensuring that all mapping operations require appropriate authorization levels, and enforcing strict access control mechanisms. System administrators should apply security patches or updates as soon as they become available, while also conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities and implementing least privilege principles can help reduce the overall risk exposure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, privilege separation, and regular security auditing to prevent exploitation of similar logic errors in other system components.