Google Rolls Out May 2025 Android 15 Security Patch with Critical Vulnerabilities Addressed

In a significant move, Google has started rolling out the May 2025 security update for its Pixel devices, which addresses a total of 46 security vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day exploit tracked as CVE-2025-27363. This specific vulnerability has been classified with a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating its high severity and potential for exploitation without user interaction. Recently disclosed by Facebook, this flaw relates to the FreeType open-source font rendering library and poses risks through out-of-bounds write conditions when handling certain font files. Users are highly encouraged to update their devices to ensure they are safeguarded against this and other vulnerabilities. The update is being made available for a range of devices including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, and more. Notably, the update will include a bootloader modification that prevents devices from reverting to previous vulnerable Android versions, thereby enhancing overall security against exploits such as the one outlined by CVE-2025-27363. Furthermore, several bug fixes will also be integrated into this rollout, notably improvements related to microphone recording quality, Bluetooth connectivity with certain devices, and display issues within Quick Settings. For users of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 series, caution is advised as the update may restrict the flashing of older firmware versions once installed, limiting options for custom modifications and potential root access. Overall, this May security patch showcases Google's commitment to providing timely updates against emerging threats, reminding users of the importance of regular device maintenance and updates. It reflects a broader trend within the tech community to prioritize mobile security, particularly as previously unreported vulnerabilities become public knowledge. As cloud-based attacks grow in sophistication, the urgency for security patches like these cannot be overstated. The phased rollout means that while some users may receive the update immediately, others will have to wait based on their device and carrier, which is a common practice that some users find frustrating. Future reports and analyses from tech experts will help elucidate the effectiveness of these fixes, especially concerning user experiences and any potential lingering issues. For those not yet aware, users can check for the update via the Settings app on their devices, navigating to System > Software Update > Check for Update to stay current with the latest security enhancements and patches.