CVE-2025-20656
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in MediaTek DA software allows local attackers with physical access to escalate privileges through an out-of-bounds write. No user interaction or additional execution privileges are needed for exploitation. This affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek components.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek DA (Download Agent) software
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Mt6781 by Mediatek
Mt6789 by Mediatek
Mt6835 by Mediatek
Mt6855 by Mediatek
Mt6878 by Mediatek
Mt6879 by Mediatek
Mt6886 by Mediatek
Mt6895 by Mediatek
Mt6897 by Mediatek
Mt6983 by Mediatek
Mt6985 by Mediatek
Mt6989 by Mediatek
Mt6990 by Mediatek
Mt8196 by Mediatek
Mt8370 by Mediatek
Mt8390 by Mediatek
Openwrt by Openwrt
Openwrt by Openwrt
Rdk B by Rdkcentral
Yocto by Linuxfoundation
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to gain root/system privileges, install persistent malware, or bypass security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if physical access controls prevent unauthorized device handling and patching is implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
No authentication or user interaction required, but physical access is necessary. Exploit complexity appears low based on description.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS09625423
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/April-2025
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS09625423. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch application through version checking.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Access Controls
allImplement strict physical security measures to prevent unauthorized device access.
Disable Debug Interfaces
linuxDisable DA/debug interfaces if not required for device operation.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls and device tracking
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against manufacturer's patched versions. Look for MediaTek DA software presence.Check Version:
Manufacturer-specific commands vary; typically: 'getprop ro.build.fingerprint' or check Settings > About phone > Build number on Android devicesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS09625423 is applied through device firmware version or security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized physical access logs
- Unexpected DA/debug interface activity
- Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - focus on physical access monitoring
SIEM Query:
Device physical access logs showing unauthorized handling OR security event logs indicating privilege escalation