CVE-2025-20797
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in MediaTek battery management software that allows local privilege escalation. Attackers with initial System privilege access can exploit it to gain higher privileges without user interaction. This affects devices using vulnerable MediaTek chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek battery management software/firmware
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially installing persistent malware or accessing all system resources.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from System to higher privileges, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or maintain persistence.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and exploit mitigations are in place, though the vulnerability still provides a foothold for further attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires System privilege first, making this a secondary attack vector rather than initial entry point.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS10315812
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2026
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply MediaTek patch ALPS10315812. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify patch installation through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privilege Access
allLimit which users/processes can obtain System privilege to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized System privilege acquisition
- Deploy exploit mitigation technologies like ASLR and stack canaries if available
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against MediaTek security bulletin; devices with pre-patch versions are vulnerable.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary; generally check Settings > About Phone > Build Number or use manufacturer-specific tools.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS10315812 is installed through device firmware version or security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious battery service process behavior
- Kernel module loading anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process has System privilege AND child process gains higher privileges unexpectedly