CVE-2025-20728
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in MediaTek's WLAN STA driver. An attacker with local user privileges can exploit this to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially gaining full system control. The vulnerability affects devices using MediaTek Wi-Fi chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek Wi-Fi chipsets with WLAN STA driver
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or use device as pivot point in network attacks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to kernel mode, enabling installation of rootkits, credential theft, or disabling security controls.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and exploit mitigations (ASLR, DEP) are in place, though kernel compromise remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and user privileges. No public exploit available as of advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: WCNCR00447115
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/November-2025
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided driver patches. 3. Reboot device after patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit physical and remote local access to vulnerable devices
Disable Wi-Fi if not needed
linuxTurn off Wi-Fi functionality to remove attack surface
nmcli radio wifi off
ip link set wlan0 down
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access
- Monitor for suspicious local privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device specifications for MediaTek Wi-Fi chipset and consult manufacturer security bulletinsCheck Version:
Manufacturer-specific (check Settings > About on Android devices)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify patch WCNCR00447115 is applied via manufacturer firmware version checks📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Driver crash reports
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual local network scanning from device
SIEM Query:
EventID=4624 AND Privileges="SeDebugPrivilege" OR kernel module loading anomalies