CVE-2025-22403 Overview
CVE-2025-22403 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android Bluetooth stack, specifically within the sdp_snd_service_search_req function of sdp_discovery.cc. The flaw allows remote code execution without user interaction and without requiring additional execution privileges. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin dated March 1, 2025, affecting Android 15.0. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-416: Use After Free] and carries network-based attack characteristics, making any Bluetooth-reachable device a potential target.
Critical Impact
Remote code execution over Bluetooth with no user interaction, enabling silent device compromise within radio range.
Affected Products
- Google Android 15.0
- Android Bluetooth module (packages/modules/Bluetooth)
- Devices receiving the 2025-03-01 security patch level or earlier
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-01 - Google releases security patch in the Android Security Bulletin
- 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
The vulnerability resides in the Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) implementation of the Android Bluetooth stack. The sdp_snd_service_search_req function in sdp_discovery.cc handles outgoing SDP service search requests during Bluetooth device discovery and pairing flows. A use-after-free condition occurs when the function references memory that has already been deallocated, allowing an attacker to manipulate the contents of the freed region before the dangling pointer is dereferenced.
Because SDP exchanges happen automatically during Bluetooth interaction, exploitation does not require user interaction. An attacker within Bluetooth range can trigger the vulnerable code path by initiating crafted SDP transactions with a target device. Successful exploitation grants code execution within the Bluetooth process context, which on Android holds privileged access to radio interfaces and sensitive system resources.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper object lifetime management in the SDP discovery state machine. A control block or buffer associated with an in-flight service search request is freed while a pointer to it remains in use. Subsequent operations dereference the stale pointer, allowing an attacker who can influence heap layout to redirect execution or corrupt adjacent state. The flaw maps to [CWE-416].
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over Bluetooth from a remote attacker within radio range. The Bluetooth Service Discovery Protocol is exercised during pairing, reconnection, and profile negotiation, so the vulnerable function can be reached without prompting the user. The fix is contained in commit 37bcf769c1aa8dfa8e5524858d47f6a80b765fa4 in the Android Bluetooth module, which corrects the lifetime handling around the SDP request structure. Public proof-of-concept code has not been released, and EPSS data places the probability of exploitation higher than typical Android RCE issues.
No verified exploitation code is publicly available. See the Android Bluetooth Module Update for the upstream fix details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22403
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of the com.android.bluetooth process accompanied by SIGSEGV or SIGABRT signals in logcat and tombstones.
- Tombstone files in /data/tombstones/ referencing sdp_discovery or sdp_snd_service_search_req frames.
- Anomalous Bluetooth SDP traffic from unknown nearby devices, particularly repeated service search requests against a target.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device telemetry for repeated Bluetooth process crashes, which often precede successful exploitation of memory corruption issues.
- Correlate mobile device management (MDM) compliance reports against the Android security patch level to identify devices below 2025-03-01.
- Inspect Bluetooth HCI logs for malformed or unusually structured SDP PDUs originating from untrusted peers.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enroll devices in an MDM or EMM platform that reports security patch level and flags devices missing the March 2025 Android update.
- Aggregate mobile crash telemetry into a centralized analytics or SIEM pipeline to identify clustered Bluetooth subsystem failures across the fleet.
- Track Bluetooth pairing and discovery events in high-risk environments such as conference venues, transit hubs, and shared workspaces.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22403
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2025-03-01 or later on all managed Android 15 devices.
- Disable Bluetooth on devices that cannot be patched, especially when used in untrusted physical environments.
- Enforce patch-level compliance policies through MDM and quarantine non-compliant devices from sensitive networks and resources.
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin March 2025. The corresponding source change is available in the Android Bluetooth Module Update. OEMs distribute the fix through their device-specific firmware updates; verify the patch level under Settings > About phone > Android security update.
Workarounds
- Keep Bluetooth turned off when not actively in use to remove the attack surface entirely.
- Set the device to non-discoverable mode and unpair untrusted or unused Bluetooth peripherals.
- Avoid enabling Bluetooth in crowded or untrusted environments until the patch is installed.
# Verify the current Android security patch level via ADB
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for patched devices: 2025-03-01 or later
# Confirm Android platform version
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
