CVE-2025-20724 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the WLAN Access Point (AP) driver of several MediaTek chipsets including MT6890, MT7615, MT7622, MT7663, MT7915, MT7916, MT7981, and MT7986. The root cause is an incorrect bounds check in the driver code, which allows a local user with execution privileges to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. This flaw can lead to local information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data from kernel or driver memory spaces. Exploitation does not require user interaction, making it easier for local attackers to leverage once they have access. The vulnerability affects SDK releases up to 7.6.7.2 and openWRT versions 19.07 and 21.02 for the MT6890 chipset. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) indicates that the attack vector is local, with low attack complexity, requiring low privileges but no user interaction, and results in high confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the presence of a patch (WCNCR00418894) suggests vendor awareness and remediation efforts. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for embedded systems and wireless infrastructure devices using these MediaTek chipsets, which are common in consumer and enterprise wireless access points and IoT devices.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-20724 is the potential local disclosure of sensitive information on devices using affected MediaTek chipsets. This could include wireless access points, routers, or embedded IoT devices prevalent in enterprise and industrial environments. Confidentiality breaches could expose cryptographic keys, configuration data, or user credentials, increasing the risk of further compromise. Since exploitation requires local user privileges, the threat is heightened in environments where untrusted users have physical or shell access to devices, such as shared offices, managed service providers, or multi-tenant data centers. The lack of integrity or availability impact limits the risk of service disruption or data manipulation. However, information disclosure can facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation in complex networks. Given the widespread use of MediaTek chipsets in networking hardware, European organizations relying on these devices should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk, especially in sectors with sensitive data or critical infrastructure.

1. Apply the vendor-provided patch WCNCR00418894 as soon as it becomes available to affected devices and SDKs. 2. For devices running openWRT 19.07 or 21.02 on MT6890 chipsets, upgrade to versions incorporating the fix or apply vendor patches. 3. Restrict local user access to devices running affected MediaTek chipsets, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized logins. 4. Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted users or networks. 5. Employ host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect anomalous local activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Regularly audit and update firmware and drivers on embedded devices and wireless infrastructure to maintain security posture. 7. Educate administrators and users about the risks of local privilege exploitation and enforce least privilege principles. 8. Monitor vendor advisories and security bulletins for updates or emerging exploit information related to this vulnerability.