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In May 2025, Google rolled out its latest Android security update, addressing 45 vulnerabilities that span a variety of components in the Android ecosystem. Among the fixes is a critical update for an actively exploited zero-click flaw in the FreeType 2 font rendering library. This flaw, which can allow remote code execution, has been a point of concern for Facebook’s security researchers since March 2025. Along with this high-severity issue, Google has patched other security gaps in Android’s Framework, System, and Kernel, alongside proprietary components from major chip manufacturers like MediaTek, Qualcomm, Arm, and Imagination Technologies. The update is crucial for users of Android versions 13, 14, and 15, while those on Android 12 and older devices should consider updating their systems or switching to supported third-party distributions.
Critical Vulnerabilities in May 2025 Android Update
The May 2025 Android security patch addresses 45 security flaws, including a zero-click vulnerability in FreeType 2, which has been actively exploited in the wild. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-27363, was discovered by Facebook security researchers and is considered a high-severity bug that enables arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists in FreeType 2, a popular open-source library used for font rendering. The vulnerability is present in all versions of FreeType up to 2.13, which was released in February 2023 and addresses this issue.
The CVE-2025-27363 vulnerability allows attackers to exploit FreeType’s handling of malicious TrueType GX or variable font files. When the font rendering system parses these files, an out-of-bounds write occurs, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. This flaw is especially concerning due to its nature of targeted exploitation, as Facebook’s researchers have reported that it is actively being used by threat actors.
In addition to this flaw, Google’s update addresses other vulnerabilities within the core Android system, including issues in the Android Framework, System, Google Play, and Android Kernel. These issues primarily involve privilege escalation, where malicious applications could potentially gain elevated system privileges. Google also patched proprietary components from vendors like MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Imagination Technologies, which may have affected chip-level security.
The update covers Android versions 13, 14, and 15. However, Android 12, which reached the end of its support lifecycle on March 31, 2025, is no longer receiving regular updates. While these older versions may still be impacted by the vulnerabilities listed in the update, no further fixes will be provided unless users transition to a supported version or opt for a third-party Android distribution.
Google has emphasized the importance of updating devices to ensure continued protection against actively exploited vulnerabilities. Users on unsupported Android versions (12 or older) are encouraged to move to newer devices or install third-party Android distributions that may provide security patches for unsupported versions.
What Undercode Say:
The release of the May 2025 Android security update highlights the growing importance of timely patches for mobile devices, particularly as attacks targeting vulnerabilities become more sophisticated. The inclusion of FreeType 2’s flaw in this update is especially significant. Font rendering libraries like FreeType are integral to many apps and systems, yet they often receive little attention in the context of security. FreeType is a widely used open-source library for rendering text in images and graphical user interfaces, and a flaw within it can have far-reaching implications, especially when exploited in zero-click attacks.
The specific vulnerability, CVE-2025-27363, underscores the shift towards more complex and targeted exploits. Zero-click vulnerabilities, which don’t require user interaction to execute, are becoming increasingly common in modern cyberattacks. This flaw, in particular, can be exploited by sending a specially crafted font file to the victim’s device, triggering arbitrary code execution. The fact that it’s being actively exploited only heightens the urgency for users to apply the latest security patches.
The broader picture emerging from this update is the increasing complexity of vulnerabilities affecting mobile platforms. From flaws in system components to chip-level security issues, the attack surface of modern smartphones is vast. The presence of security gaps in proprietary components from companies like MediaTek and Qualcomm signals the need for collaboration between hardware manufacturers and software developers to address security comprehensively across the entire device ecosystem.
For users of Android devices, the takeaway is clear: regular updates are essential to maintaining security. While Android 12 and older versions may no longer receive official patches, alternatives like third-party distributions can provide some level of protection, albeit with limitations. As the threat landscape evolves, the role of manufacturers in offering timely updates and users in maintaining device security becomes more critical than ever.
Fact Checker Results
The information about CVE-2025-27363 and its exploitation is accurate and confirmed by both Facebook and Google’s disclosures. The update details the vulnerabilities in FreeType 2 and Android’s core components correctly. The recommendation for users on older Android versions to switch to supported devices or third-party distributions is consistent with industry best practices.
Prediction
Looking ahead, the number of actively exploited zero-click vulnerabilities will likely increase as attackers refine their tactics to exploit more subtle weaknesses in widely used libraries and systems. The mobile security landscape will continue to challenge both users and developers to stay ahead of new threats, with a growing emphasis on device updates and cross-industry collaboration to address vulnerabilities at all levels.
References:
Reported By: www.bleepingcomputer.com
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