CVE-2025-20698
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Power HAL allows local privilege escalation through an out-of-bounds write due to missing bounds checks. Attackers with System privilege can exploit it without user interaction to gain elevated privileges. Affects MediaTek-powered Android devices using vulnerable Power HAL implementations.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek-powered Android devices
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, install persistent malware, or bypass security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from System to higher privileges, potentially enabling data theft, surveillance, or further system manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and SELinux policies restrict System processes from accessing critical resources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires System privilege first; out-of-bounds write exploitation requires understanding of Power HAL memory layout.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS09915400
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/August-2025
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS09915400. 3. Update Power HAL implementation. 4. Verify patch application through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privilege Access
AndroidLimit which applications/processes can obtain System privilege through SELinux policies and app sandboxing.
Review and tighten SELinux policies for System processes
Implement strict app permission controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate devices with vulnerable Power HAL from sensitive networks
- Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts through security logging
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset and Power HAL version; consult manufacturer for vulnerability status.Check Version:
Manufacturer-specific commands vary; typically check Settings > About Phone > Build NumberVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS09915400 is applied through firmware version checks or manufacturer confirmation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Power HAL process crashes or anomalies
- SELinux denials related to Power HAL
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable; focus on local system monitoring
SIEM Query:
Process elevation from System to higher privileges OR Power HAL memory access violations