CVE-2025-22409 Overview
CVE-2025-22409 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android Bluetooth stack, specifically within the rfc_send_buf_uih function of rfc_ts_frames.cc. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution and can lead to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges. Exploitation does not require user interaction. The issue affects Android 15.0 and is tracked under [CWE-416] (Use After Free). Google addressed the defect in the March 2025 Android Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants attackers elevated privileges on the device through memory corruption in the Bluetooth RFCOMM implementation, with no user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android 15.0
- Android Bluetooth module (packages/modules/Bluetooth)
- Devices receiving security patch level prior to 2025-03-01
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-26 - CVE-2025-22409 published to NVD
- 2025-09-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-22409
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in rfc_send_buf_uih, a function inside rfc_ts_frames.cc that handles the transmission of Unnumbered Information with Header check (UIH) frames in the RFCOMM (Radio Frequency Communication) Bluetooth protocol. RFCOMM emulates RS-232 serial ports over Bluetooth L2CAP and is used by services such as the Hands-Free Profile and Serial Port Profile.
The code path frees a buffer associated with an RFCOMM session, then reuses a stale pointer to that buffer. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can manipulate session state to trigger the dangling reference. Because the freed memory may be reallocated with attacker-controlled contents, the dereference can result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the Bluetooth process.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper lifecycle management of an RFCOMM buffer object [CWE-416]. The function continues to operate on a pointer after the underlying allocation has been released, violating object ownership invariants. The fix is committed to the Android Bluetooth module at commit 806774b1cf641e0c0e7df8024e327febf23d7d7c. See the Android Bluetooth Module Update for the upstream patch.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker requires the ability to interact with the target's Bluetooth stack, which is typically reachable from a paired or proximate device. Once the vulnerable code path is triggered, the Bluetooth process can be coerced into executing attacker-controlled code, providing a path to escalate privileges beyond the unprivileged caller. No additional execution privileges and no user interaction are required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin March 2025 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22409
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or restarts of the com.android.bluetooth process in logcat and tombstone files referencing rfc_send_buf_uih or rfc_ts_frames.cc.
- Anomalous RFCOMM session activity from unknown or recently paired Bluetooth devices.
- Native crash signatures (SIGSEGV, SIGABRT) within the Bluetooth process address space following frame transmission.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device security patch level and flag any device reporting a patch level earlier than 2025-03-01.
- Inspect mobile device tombstones and bugreports for repeated faults in the Bluetooth module's RFCOMM code paths.
- Correlate Bluetooth pairing events with subsequent process crashes or privilege boundary anomalies in mobile threat defense telemetry.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce mobile device management (MDM) compliance policies that require the March 2025 or later Android security patch level.
- Log and review Bluetooth pairing and connection events on managed devices, especially in high-risk environments.
- Restrict Bluetooth use in sensitive locations and audit devices that have Bluetooth enabled when not required.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22409
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2025-03-01 or later on all affected Android 15 devices.
- Disable Bluetooth on devices that cannot be patched promptly, particularly in untrusted environments.
- Unpair unknown or unused Bluetooth devices and review the paired device list on managed endpoints.
- Prioritize patching for devices that handle sensitive data or operate in high-risk contexts.
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin March 2025. The upstream code change is available in the Android Open Source Project at commit 806774b1cf641e0c0e7df8024e327febf23d7d7c within the Bluetooth module. Device manufacturers distribute the fix through their OEM update channels; users must ensure their security patch level reflects 2025-03-01 or later.
Workarounds
- Turn off Bluetooth when not actively in use to remove the attack surface.
- Avoid pairing with untrusted devices and remove existing pairings that are no longer needed.
- Enable MDM policies that disable Bluetooth on devices running unpatched Android 15 builds.
# Verify Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output: 2025-03-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
