CVE-2025-20768 is a security vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) affecting multiple MediaTek System on Chips (SoCs) including MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6781, MT6789, MT6833, MT6835, MT6853, MT6855, MT6877, MT6878, MT6879, MT6883, MT6885, MT6886, MT6889, MT6893, MT6895, MT6897, MT6899, MT6983, MT6985, MT6989, and MT6991. These SoCs are integrated into various Android devices running Android versions 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check in the display subsystem, which allows an attacker with System-level privileges to perform an out-of-bounds read operation. This can lead to local escalation of privilege by reading memory outside the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing memory corruption. Exploitation does not require user interaction, but it does require that the attacker already has System privileges, limiting the initial attack vector to scenarios where the attacker has gained significant access. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported as of the publication date. The vendor has assigned a patch ID (ALPS10196993) and issue ID (MSV-4805), indicating that a fix is in development or available through vendor channels. The vulnerability affects a broad range of MediaTek SoCs, which are widely used in mid-range and budget smartphones globally, including Europe. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-20768 lies in the potential for local privilege escalation on devices using affected MediaTek chipsets. This could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of data on mobile devices, especially those used for corporate communications, remote access, or storing sensitive information. The vulnerability could enable attackers who have already gained System-level access—possibly through other vulnerabilities or insider threats—to further escalate privileges, potentially leading to full device compromise. This is particularly concerning for enterprises relying on Android devices for secure communications or mobile workforce management. The absence of user interaction for exploitation increases the risk in environments where devices are shared or exposed to untrusted applications. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, memory corruption caused by out-of-bounds reads could lead to device instability or crashes, impacting business continuity. Given the widespread use of MediaTek chipsets in consumer and enterprise mobile devices across Europe, the threat could affect a significant number of endpoints if exploited. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use Android devices for secure operations, may face elevated risks. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks once exploit code becomes available.

1. Apply vendor patches promptly once they are released by MediaTek or device manufacturers to address the out-of-bounds read vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict privilege separation on Android devices to limit the ability of applications or processes to gain System-level privileges, reducing the attack surface. 3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions that can monitor and restrict installation of unauthorized or potentially malicious applications that could leverage this vulnerability. 4. Use runtime protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) where supported by the device to mitigate exploitation attempts. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on mobile devices used within the organization to detect signs of compromise or privilege escalation. 6. Educate users on the risks of installing untrusted applications and the importance of applying system updates promptly. 7. For high-security environments, consider restricting the use of affected MediaTek-based devices until patches are applied or alternative hardware is deployed. 8. Collaborate with device vendors and carriers to ensure timely distribution of security updates to end users.