CVE-2025-20692 is a security vulnerability identified in several MediaTek wireless chipset models, including MT6890, MT7615, MT7622, MT7663, MT7915, MT7916, MT7981, and MT7986. The flaw exists within the WLAN Access Point (AP) driver, where an incorrect bounds check leads to an out-of-bounds read condition (classified as CWE-125). This vulnerability allows a local attacker with user-level execution privileges to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Notably, exploitation does not require user interaction, which increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. The affected software versions include SDK release 7.6.7.2 and earlier, as well as OpenWRT versions 19.07 and 21.02 that utilize these chipsets. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability can lead to local information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data residing in memory. The root cause is a failure to properly validate input or internal data indices before accessing memory, which can result in leakage of kernel or driver memory contents. Since the attacker must have user-level privileges on the device, the vulnerability is not remotely exploitable without prior compromise. However, given the widespread use of MediaTek chipsets in consumer and enterprise wireless access points and routers, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if leveraged in multi-stage attacks. The issue was officially published on July 8, 2025, and is tracked under issue ID MSV-3476 and patch ID WCNCR00418040, though no patch links are currently provided.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a risk primarily in environments where MediaTek-based wireless access points or routers are deployed, especially those running vulnerable SDK or OpenWRT versions. The out-of-bounds read can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in memory. This could facilitate further attacks like privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. Given that user execution privileges are required, the threat is more relevant in scenarios where attackers have already gained limited access, such as through phishing or insider threats. The lack of need for user interaction simplifies exploitation once local access is obtained. The impact on confidentiality is moderate to high, while integrity and availability are less directly affected. European organizations that rely on these chipsets in critical infrastructure, enterprise Wi-Fi deployments, or IoT environments may face increased risk of data leakage and subsequent compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine trust in wireless network security, potentially affecting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Identify all devices using the affected MediaTek chipsets and verify their firmware or SDK versions, prioritizing those running SDK release 7.6.7.2 or earlier and OpenWRT 19.07 or 21.02. 2) Apply vendor-supplied patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available, referencing MediaTek's patch ID WCNCR00418040 and issue ID MSV-3476. 3) If patches are not yet available, consider isolating or segmenting vulnerable devices from sensitive network segments to limit potential exposure. 4) Implement strict access controls to prevent unprivileged users from executing code on affected devices, including hardening device management interfaces and disabling unnecessary services. 5) Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual local access attempts or memory disclosure indicators. 6) For organizations using OpenWRT, upgrade to versions beyond 21.02 that incorporate fixes or apply community patches addressing this issue. 7) Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on wireless infrastructure to detect exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing inventory management, segmentation, and proactive monitoring tailored to the specific vulnerability context.