CVE-2025-20722
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in the GNSS driver that could lead to an out-of-bounds read. If exploited by a malicious actor with System privilege, it could result in local information disclosure without requiring user interaction. This affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable GNSS drivers.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipset devices with GNSS functionality
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Openwrt by Openwrt
Openwrt by Openwrt
Rdk B by Rdkcentral
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with System privilege could read sensitive memory contents, potentially exposing cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other protected data.
Likely Case
Local information disclosure where an attacker with elevated privileges reads adjacent memory regions, potentially exposing system information or application data.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and SELinux/app sandboxing, impact is limited to the GNSS service context only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires System privilege and knowledge of memory layout. No public exploit available as of advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS09920036
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/October-2025
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS09920036. 3. Update device firmware through official channels. 4. Verify patch application through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GNSS service permissions
AndroidLimit GNSS service to minimal required privileges using SELinux policies or app sandboxing
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting to prevent malicious apps from gaining System privilege
- Use SELinux policies to restrict GNSS service memory access and isolate it from sensitive data
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version and patch level against manufacturer's security bulletinsCheck Version:
Check Settings > About Phone > Build Number on Android devicesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS09920036 is applied in system updates or contact manufacturer for verification📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- GNSS service crashes
- Memory access violations in system logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'gnss' AND ('crash' OR 'segmentation fault' OR 'memory violation') in system logs