CVE-2025-20744 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in MediaTek, Inc.'s MT6899, MT6991, and MT8793 chipsets. This vulnerability affects Android versions 13.0 through 16.0 and resides in the 'pda' component, where improper handling of memory leads to a use-after-free condition. When exploited, this flaw allows a local attacker who already possesses System-level privileges to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining unauthorized control over sensitive system functions. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit once the attacker has the necessary access. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.2, indicating medium severity, with an attack vector limited to local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), high privileges required (PR:H), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent (C:L/I:L/A:L). No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a risk in environments where attackers can gain System privileges. The patch is identified as ALPS10127160, and the issue is tracked as MSV-4542 by MediaTek. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution or system manipulation, emphasizing the need for timely patching and access control.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-20744 lies in the potential for local privilege escalation on devices using affected MediaTek chipsets running Android 13 to 16. This could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data and system operations, especially in sectors relying on mobile devices or embedded Android systems, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Although exploitation requires prior System-level access, successful escalation could enable attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or disrupt device functionality, affecting availability. The medium severity score reflects the limited attack surface but significant consequences if exploited. Organizations with large deployments of MediaTek-powered devices may face increased risk, particularly if endpoint security and access controls are weak. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, underscoring the importance of proactive mitigation.

1. Apply the official MediaTek patch ALPS10127160 as soon as it becomes available to ensure the vulnerability is remediated. 2. Restrict System-level privileges on devices to only trusted administrators and processes, minimizing the chance of an attacker gaining the required initial access. 3. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on Android devices, especially those using affected chipsets, to detect and prevent unauthorized privilege escalations. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious local activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly audit device firmware and software versions to ensure timely updates and compliance with security policies. 6. For organizations deploying embedded Android systems, conduct thorough security assessments to identify potential privilege escalation vectors and harden device configurations. 7. Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability specifics to improve incident response readiness.