CVE-2025-20668 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting several MediaTek SoCs (System on Chips), specifically the MT6878, MT6897, MT6899, MT6989, MT6991, MT8775, and MT8796 models. These chips are integrated into devices running Android versions 14.0 and 15.0. The vulnerability exists within the 'scp' component, where a missing bounds check allows an out-of-bounds write operation. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker who already has System-level privileges on the device to escalate their privileges further. Notably, exploitation does not require any user interaction, which increases the risk profile once initial access is obtained. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.7, reflecting a medium severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but limited by the requirement for prior high privileges (PR:H). The vulnerability could allow an attacker to overwrite memory beyond intended boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. However, since initial System privileges are required, the vulnerability primarily serves as a post-compromise escalation vector rather than an initial entry point. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and a patch (ALPS09625562) has been identified but not linked in the provided data. The vulnerability was reserved in November 2024 and published in May 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-20668 depends largely on the deployment of devices using the affected MediaTek chipsets running Android 14 or 15. Many consumer and enterprise mobile devices, IoT devices, and embedded systems in Europe utilize MediaTek SoCs due to their cost-effectiveness and performance. An attacker with System privileges on such devices could leverage this vulnerability to gain higher privileges, potentially compromising device security, accessing sensitive data, or disrupting device functionality. This is particularly concerning for sectors relying on mobile devices for secure communications, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The lack of user interaction requirement means that once initial access is gained, lateral movement or persistence can be facilitated more easily. However, since initial System privileges are required, the vulnerability is less likely to be exploited remotely without prior compromise. The vulnerability could also affect supply chain security if devices are used as part of critical infrastructure or industrial control systems. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected devices within European organizations, especially those with high reliance on MediaTek-powered Android devices.

To mitigate CVE-2025-20668 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Prioritize patching devices with the affected MediaTek chipsets running Android 14 or 15 as soon as the official patch (ALPS09625562) is available from device manufacturers or MediaTek. 2) Implement strict access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized acquisition of System privileges, as the vulnerability requires such privileges for exploitation. 3) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts on mobile and embedded devices. 4) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation vectors in devices using these chipsets. 5) For organizations deploying custom Android builds or firmware, ensure that the 'scp' component is updated to include the necessary bounds checks. 6) Educate users and administrators on the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce policies to minimize the risk of initial compromise. 7) Consider network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of compromised devices. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific conditions and components involved in this vulnerability.