CVE-2025-20807
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-20807 is an integer overflow vulnerability in dpe that leads to out-of-bounds write, allowing local privilege escalation. Attackers with System privilege can exploit this without user interaction to gain higher privileges. This affects systems using vulnerable versions of the dpe component.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek devices with dpe component
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through local privilege escalation to root/admin access, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local attackers with initial System access escalate privileges to gain full control over affected devices, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and least privilege principles are enforced, though the vulnerability still provides attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires existing System privilege but is straightforward once that access is obtained. No user interaction needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply patch ALPS10114841
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2026
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check MediaTek security bulletin for device-specific patches. 2. Apply patch ALPS10114841 through OTA updates or vendor-provided firmware. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch application through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privilege Access
androidLimit which users/processes can obtain System privilege through strict access controls and privilege separation
Implement SELinux/AppArmor policies to restrict dpe access
Use Android's permission model to limit System privilege grants
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised devices
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against MediaTek's patched versions list in security bulletinCheck Version:
Check device settings > About phone > Build number for Android devicesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS10114841 is applied through system update logs or firmware version checks📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- dpe process crashes or abnormal behavior
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="system_logs" AND (process="dpe" AND event="privilege_escalation" OR event="crash")