CVE-2025-20662 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) found in the PlayReady Trusted Application (TA) component of MediaTek's MT9972 chipset. The root cause is a missing bounds check that allows the software to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. This flaw can be exploited locally by an attacker who has already obtained System-level privileges on the device, enabling them to escalate their privileges further. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once initial access is gained. Affected devices include those running Android versions 12.0 and 14.0 that incorporate the MT9972 chipset. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive data, manipulate system processes, or cause system instability. Although no public exploits have been reported, the medium CVSS score of 6.7 reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability in environments where attackers have local system access. The issue was publicly disclosed on April 7, 2025, with MediaTek assigned as the vulnerability's authority. No patch links are currently provided, but the vendor has assigned a patch ID (DTV04428276) indicating a forthcoming fix. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for devices relying on MediaTek's PlayReady TA for digital rights management and secure content playback.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-20662 is local privilege escalation on devices using MediaTek MT9972 chipsets running Android 12.0 or 14.0. An attacker who has already compromised the system at a high privilege level can exploit this vulnerability to gain even greater control, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation or disabling of security controls, and disruption of device functionality. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by allowing unauthorized memory reads, integrity by enabling unauthorized modifications, and availability by potentially causing system crashes or instability. Organizations deploying devices with this chipset, especially in sensitive environments such as telecommunications, IoT, or consumer electronics, face increased risk of targeted attacks that leverage this flaw to deepen their foothold. Although exploitation requires local access and high privileges, the lack of user interaction needed makes it a potent threat in scenarios where attackers have already breached initial defenses.

To mitigate CVE-2025-20662, organizations should: 1) Monitor MediaTek's official channels for the release of security patches corresponding to Patch ID DTV04428276 and apply them promptly to affected devices. 2) Restrict local access to devices running the MT9972 chipset by enforcing strict physical security and limiting administrative privileges to trusted personnel only. 3) Employ runtime protection mechanisms such as application sandboxing and integrity monitoring to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and ensure devices are updated regularly. 5) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on privilege escalation vectors within the device environment. 6) For environments where patching is delayed, consider deploying compensating controls such as disabling or restricting PlayReady TA functionality if feasible. 7) Educate users and administrators about the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining strict access controls. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing proactive patch management, access restriction, and runtime detection tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.