CVE-2025-20771 is a security vulnerability identified in a broad range of MediaTek system-on-chip (SoC) products, including MT2718, MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6781, MT6789, MT6833, MT6835, MT6853, MT6855, MT6877, MT6878, MT6879, MT6883, MT6885, MT6886, MT6889, MT6893, MT6895, MT6897, MT6899, MT6983, MT6985, MT6989, MT6991, MT8196, MT8676, MT8678, MT8792, and MT8793. These chipsets are integrated into many Android devices running versions 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-457, which involves the use of uninitialized variables. Specifically, the flaw resides in the display subsystem where improper input validation leads to the use of uninitialized variables, potentially causing unpredictable behavior. This can be exploited by an attacker who has already obtained System-level privileges to escalate their privileges further locally on the device. Notably, exploitation does not require user interaction, increasing the risk profile. The vulnerability was published on December 2, 2025, with no CVSS score assigned yet and no known exploits in the wild. The patch identifier ALPS10196993 and issue ID MSV-4802 indicate that MediaTek has acknowledged the issue and presumably is working on or has released patches. The vulnerability's root cause—uninitialized variable usage—can lead to memory corruption or logic errors, which attackers can leverage to bypass security controls or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions. Given the widespread deployment of MediaTek chipsets in consumer and enterprise mobile devices, this vulnerability presents a significant risk vector for privilege escalation attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-20771 can be substantial, especially those relying on mobile devices powered by MediaTek chipsets. Privilege escalation vulnerabilities can allow attackers who have already compromised a device at a lower privilege level to gain full control over the system, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to corporate resources, and disruption of mobile device management. Since the vulnerability does not require user interaction, automated or remote attacks within a local environment become more feasible. This could affect sectors with high mobile device usage such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies, where device integrity is critical. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited to bypass security mechanisms, install persistent malware, or exfiltrate sensitive information. The broad range of affected chipsets means that many device models across various manufacturers could be vulnerable, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation remains high, especially as patches are not yet universally applied. This vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security and complicate compliance with European data protection regulations if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2025-20771, European organizations should take several specific actions beyond generic patching advice: 1) Inventory and identify all mobile devices using affected MediaTek chipsets and Android versions 14.0 to 16.0 within the organization. 2) Prioritize deployment of vendor patches (ALPS10196993) as soon as they become available from device manufacturers or MediaTek. 3) Implement strict mobile device management (MDM) policies to restrict installation of unauthorized applications and monitor for unusual privilege escalations or system behavior. 4) Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions tailored for mobile devices to detect exploitation attempts. 5) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on privilege escalation vectors in mobile environments. 6) Educate users and administrators about the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of timely updates. 7) Collaborate with device vendors to ensure timely firmware and OS updates and verify patch effectiveness. 8) Consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of compromised devices. These measures will help reduce the window of exposure and limit the potential damage from exploitation.