CVE-2025-22403: Google Android RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22403 Overview

CVE-2025-22403 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability discovered in the Android Bluetooth stack, specifically within the sdp_snd_service_search_req function of sdp_discovery.cc. This memory corruption flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous for mobile device security.

Critical Impact

Remote code execution via Bluetooth SDP protocol with no user interaction required, potentially allowing complete device compromise.

Affected Products

• Google Android 15.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-26 - CVE-2025-22403 published to NVD
• 2025-09-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22403

Vulnerability Analysis

This use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) exists within the Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) implementation in Android's Bluetooth stack. The flaw occurs when the sdp_snd_service_search_req function in sdp_discovery.cc incorrectly handles memory objects during SDP service search requests. When a Bluetooth device sends a specially crafted SDP request, the vulnerable code may reference memory that has already been freed, allowing an attacker to manipulate program execution flow.

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network via Bluetooth without requiring authentication, user interaction, or special privileges. A successful exploit could result in complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise of the affected Android device.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in improper memory lifecycle management within the SDP discovery module. The sdp_snd_service_search_req function fails to properly track the state of allocated memory objects. When certain sequences of SDP operations occur, a memory object may be freed while a dangling pointer to that memory still exists. Subsequent operations that dereference this dangling pointer trigger the use-after-free condition, allowing an attacker to potentially control execution with attacker-supplied data placed in the freed memory region.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based via Bluetooth connectivity. An attacker within Bluetooth range (typically 10-100 meters depending on the Bluetooth class) can send malicious SDP packets to trigger the vulnerability. The attack flow involves:

1. Establishing a Bluetooth connection with the target device
2. Initiating an SDP service discovery session
3. Sending crafted SDP service search requests designed to trigger the memory corruption
4. Exploiting the use-after-free condition to achieve code execution

The attack requires no user interaction—the victim device simply needs to have Bluetooth enabled and be within range of the attacker. The technical details of the vulnerability can be found in the Android Bluetooth Module Update commit.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22403

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual Bluetooth SDP traffic patterns or malformed SDP packets
• Unexpected Bluetooth connections from unknown devices
• System crashes or instability related to Bluetooth services
• Unusual process activity spawned from Bluetooth-related processes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for crashes in the Bluetooth stack, particularly in sdp_discovery.cc or related modules
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify anomalous Bluetooth protocol behavior
• Use SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect post-exploitation activities following successful code execution
• Implement network traffic analysis to identify malformed Bluetooth SDP packets at the protocol level

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed Bluetooth debugging logs on critical Android devices to capture SDP transaction details
• Configure alerting for repeated Bluetooth connection attempts from unrecognized devices
• Monitor for privilege escalation attempts or unusual system calls following Bluetooth activity
• Track Bluetooth service crashes and restart patterns as potential indicators of exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22403

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the Android security patch from the March 2025 security bulletin immediately
• Disable Bluetooth on devices that cannot be immediately patched when not in active use
• Remove paired Bluetooth devices that are no longer needed
• Avoid using Bluetooth in public or untrusted environments until the patch is applied

Patch Information

Google has released a security patch addressing this vulnerability in the Android Security Bulletin March 2025. The fix is available in the Android Bluetooth module update with commit hash 37bcf769c1aa8dfa8e5524858d47f6a80b765fa4. Device manufacturers should integrate this patch into their Android builds, and end users should update their devices to the latest available security patch level that includes the March 2025 fixes.

Workarounds

• Disable Bluetooth completely when not required for essential operations
• Use Bluetooth non-discoverable mode to reduce attack surface when Bluetooth must remain enabled
• Limit Bluetooth pairing to trusted devices only and in secure physical locations
• Implement network segmentation and Bluetooth scanning detection in enterprise environments

# Android ADB commands to manage Bluetooth state
# Disable Bluetooth via ADB (requires root or debugging access)
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0
adb shell svc bluetooth disable

# Check current Bluetooth state
adb shell settings get global bluetooth_on

# Verify security patch level on device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch