CVE-2025-26455 Overview
CVE-2025-26455 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in NdkMediaCodec.cpp, a component of the Android media framework. The flaw allows an out-of-bounds write across multiple functions in the native media codec code. Successful exploitation leads to local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability affects Android 13, 14, and 15, and is tracked under [CWE-122: Heap-Based Buffer Overflow].
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can trigger a heap-based out-of-bounds write in the Android media framework to escalate privileges without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-01 - Fix published in the Android Security Bulletin June 2025
- 2025-09-04 - CVE-2025-26455 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-26455
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in NdkMediaCodec.cpp, part of the Android AOSP frameworks/av media framework. Multiple functions in this file perform writes to heap-allocated buffers without adequate bounds validation. An attacker who supplies crafted input to the affected native APIs can force writes beyond the allocated buffer boundary, corrupting adjacent heap metadata or object state.
Because the media framework runs with elevated privileges relative to third-party applications, controlled heap corruption in this context provides a path to local privilege escalation. Exploitation requires only local access with low privileges, meaning any installed application invoking the vulnerable NDK Media Codec APIs can attempt to trigger the flaw.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking on buffer sizes prior to write operations in the NDK Media Codec interface. When input parameters describing buffer geometry or codec state exceed the size of the underlying heap allocation, the affected functions write past the buffer end. The upstream fix is committed in AOSP under change e28ca0c3d70c67cda2a09dc2d663a3395b13c779.
Attack Vector
A malicious local application invokes the affected AMediaCodec NDK APIs with crafted parameters or media data. The application does not require any dangerous Android permissions or user interaction. By shaping heap layout and controlling the overflowed bytes, an attacker can corrupt adjacent objects to hijack control flow or manipulate privileged state within the media server process, achieving privilege escalation.
The vulnerability manifests during media codec buffer handling. Refer to the Android Source Code Review for the specific functions and fix details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-26455
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or tombstones in mediaserver or mediacodec processes referencing libmediandk.so or NdkMediaCodec
- Applications repeatedly invoking AMediaCodec NDK APIs with malformed configuration or input buffer descriptors
- Anomalous privilege transitions originating from processes hosting media codec workloads
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device logs and logcat output for SIGSEGV, SIGABRT, or heap corruption signatures tied to media codec components
- Enforce Android patch level checks in mobile device management (MDM) policies to identify devices running below the June 2025 security patch level
- Use mobile threat defense tooling to flag applications that call low-level media NDK APIs with unusual frequency or with malformed inputs
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Android security patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and alert on devices missing the 2025-06-01 patch level
- Correlate application install events with subsequent media framework crashes to identify potential exploitation attempts
- Ingest mobile telemetry into a centralized data lake to enable retrospective hunting for media codec crash patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-26455
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level dated 2025-06-01 or later to all Android 13, 14, and 15 devices
- Verify OEM and carrier patch availability and prioritize deployment for devices handling sensitive workloads
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications and enforce Google Play Protect on managed devices
Patch Information
Google addressed the vulnerability in the Android Security Bulletin June 2025. The upstream code change is available in AOSP as commit e28ca0c3d70c67cda2a09dc2d663a3395b13c779 in the platform/frameworks/av repository. Device manufacturers must integrate the fix and distribute updated builds to end users.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation
- Limit exposure by restricting sideloaded applications and enforcing MDM policies that block untrusted APK sources
- Where patching is delayed, isolate high-value devices from processing untrusted media content and third-party applications
# Verify Android security patch level on a device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output: 2025-06-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
