# Pixel 10 0-Click Exploit Chain: Re-Targeting CVE-2025-54957 for Root

> Analysis of a zero-click exploit chain targeting the Google Pixel 10, achieving root via an adapted Dolby vulnerability (CVE-2025-54957). Critical threat. Patch now.

- Published: 2026-05-13T20:40:26.000Z
- Severity: high
- Category: Vulnerabilities
- Tags: Pixel 10, Android, Zero Click, CVE-2025-54957, Exploit Chain, RET PAC, Root Exploit
- Author: Runtime Rebel Intel
- Primary source: https://projectzero.google/2026/05/pixel-10-exploit.html
- Canonical: https://runtimerebel.com/blog/pixel-10-0-click-exploit-chain-re-targeting-cve-2025-54957-for-root

## Key points

- Immediate impact: 0-click root exploit targets Google Pixel 10 devices, allowing full device compromise.
- Affected systems: Google Pixel 10 running Android, exploiting an adapted Dolby vulnerability.
- Remediation: Prioritize applying all available security patches to address this critical flaw immediately.

## Overview: Pixel 10 Zero-Click Root Exploit Chain

Threat intelligence analysts at Runtime Rebel are issuing a critical alert regarding a recently demonstrated **[Zero-Day](/glossary#zero-day)** exploit chain capable of achieving 0-click root on Google Pixel 10 devices. This advanced **[TTP](/glossary#ttp)**, detailed by [Project Zero](https://projectzero.google/2026/05/pixel-10-exploit.html), represents a significant security risk, allowing attackers to gain full control over affected devices without any user interaction.

The research follows previous efforts to develop a similar exploit chain for the Pixel 9, which also leveraged a 0-click context to achieve root privileges using just two exploits. While the original Dolby 0-click **[vulnerability](/glossary#vulnerability)** (affecting all of Android) was **[patch](/glossary#patch)**ed in January 2026, the new findings highlight the persistent challenge of securing complex mobile operating systems against determined adversaries. This demonstration serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated methods employed by attackers to bypass modern security measures.

## Technical Details: Exploiting [CVE-2025-54957](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-54957) on Google Pixel 10

The core of this exploit chain for the Pixel 10 centers on successfully re-targeting an existing vulnerability, specifically **[CVE-2025-54957](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-54957)**, identified as a Dolby 0-click flaw. The original **[exploit chain](/glossary#exploit-chain)** for the Pixel 9 relied on this **[CVE](/glossary#cve)**. Adapting this **[exploit](/glossary#exploit)** to the newer Pixel 10 required specific modifications but was largely a straightforward process, primarily involving updates to memory offsets.

Key technical challenges in **exploiting CVE-2025-54957 on Google Pixel 10** included: 

*   **Offset Adjustments**: The majority of the work involved recalculating offsets for the specific version of the Dolby library present on the Pixel 10, differing from the Pixel 9. This highlights the precision required for low-level exploitation.
*   **Security Feature Bypass**: The Pixel 10 introduces `RET PAC` in place of `-fstack-protector`, a significant change in memory protection mechanisms. This meant the `__stack_chk_fail` function, previously a target for overwriting, was no longer available. Researchers instead identified `dap_cpdp_init`, an initialization code segment, as a suitable target. This function is called only once during decoder initialization, allowing it to be overwritten without causing functional issues for the device but providing a critical hook for exploit execution.

This demonstration underlines the persistent nature of vulnerabilities even after initial patching, as attackers or researchers can often find ways to adapt exploits to newer hardware or software versions, bypassing new security mitigations like `RET PAC` through careful analysis of device-specific characteristics.

## Impact and Analysis: Pixel 10 Security Vulnerability Analysis

A 0-click root exploit on a flagship device like the Google Pixel 10 represents a critical security event. The absence of any user interaction requirement means that an attacker can compromise a device stealthily and remotely. This is particularly concerning for high-value targets such as journalists, activists, or government officials, who are frequently the targets of sophisticated surveillance operations. The ability to gain **[root](/glossary#privilege-escalation)** access grants an attacker complete control over the device, enabling data exfiltration, arbitrary code execution, and persistent monitoring.

This **Pixel 10 security vulnerability analysis** confirms that even with advanced security features like `RET PAC`, determined adversaries can identify and exploit weaknesses. The fact that an existing vulnerability (CVE-2025-54957) could be adapted for the Pixel 10, despite an earlier patch for its original manifestation, underscores the need for continuous, in-depth security research and rapid patch deployment across the entire Android ecosystem.

## Recommendations and Mitigations

Organizations and individual users of Google Pixel 10 devices must prioritize the following actions to protect against this critical threat and for **mitigating 0-click exploits on Android devices**:

*   **Immediate Patching**: Ensure all Google Pixel 10 devices are updated to the absolute latest security patch level. Monitor Google's official security bulletins for specific advisories related to CVE-2025-54957 or any subsequent patches addressing this exploit chain.
*   **Regular Software Updates**: Implement a strict policy for regular software and security updates across all mobile devices. Prompt application of patches is the most effective defense against known vulnerabilities.
*   **Principle of Least Privilege**: Even though this is a 0-click vulnerability, adhering to the principle of least privilege for all applications and user accounts can help limit post-exploitation damage.
*   **Network Segmentation**: For enterprise environments, consider segmenting mobile devices onto dedicated networks to limit potential **[Lateral Movement](/glossary#lateral-movement)** should a device be compromised.
*   **Enhanced Monitoring**: Implement comprehensive mobile **[EDR](/glossary#edr)** (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions and **[SIEM](/glossary#siem)** (Security Information and Event Management) systems to detect unusual activity or potential indicators of compromise (**[IoC](/glossary#ioc)**s) related to this type of exploitation. Anomalies in network traffic or system behavior on Pixel 10 devices should be immediately investigated.
*   **Zero Trust Architecture**: Adopt a **[Zero Trust](/glossary#zero-trust)** security model, extending security controls to every user, device, and application regardless of location, assuming breach and continuously verifying trust.

**Related:** [Android CVE-2026-0073: Critical System RCE Patch Guidance](/blog/android-cve-2026-0073-critical-system-rce-patch-guidance), [SparkCat Mobile Malware Variant Steals Crypto Recovery Phrases](/blog/sparkcat-mobile-malware-variant-steals-crypto-recovery-phrases)

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