CVE-2025-20785 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, affecting the display subsystem of numerous MediaTek System-on-Chips (SoCs), including MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, and many others. These SoCs are integrated into a wide range of Android smartphones operating on Android versions 14.0 through 16.0. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management in the display component, where a freed memory region is accessed again, leading to memory corruption. This flaw can be exploited locally by an attacker who already possesses system-level privileges to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining higher control over the device. The attack vector is local, requiring no user interaction, but does require the attacker to have already compromised system privileges, which limits initial exploitation scope. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as it can allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system behavior, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 score of 6.7 reflects a medium severity with low attack complexity but requiring high privileges. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the broad range of affected chipsets and Android versions makes this a significant concern. The issue was reserved in November 2024 and published in January 2026, with MediaTek assigning the patch ID ALPS10149882. Organizations should apply vendor patches promptly once available to mitigate risks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-20785 can be significant, especially those relying on Android devices powered by affected MediaTek chipsets. The vulnerability enables local privilege escalation, which could allow attackers who have already compromised system-level access to gain full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, manipulation of device functions, or disruption of services. Industries with high mobile device usage, such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors, are particularly at risk. The lack of user interaction for exploitation increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks once initial access is obtained. Given the widespread use of MediaTek SoCs in mid-range and budget smartphones popular in Europe, the potential attack surface is large. Furthermore, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the medium severity and broad impact necessitate urgent attention.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach to mitigate CVE-2025-20785. First, ensure all Android devices using affected MediaTek chipsets are updated to the latest firmware versions containing the patch ALPS10149882 or subsequent vendor releases. Device management policies should enforce timely OS and firmware updates. Secondly, restrict system-level access on devices by enforcing the principle of least privilege and using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control privilege escalations. Employ runtime protection and behavior monitoring tools to detect anomalous activities indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, educate users and administrators about the risks of granting system privileges to untrusted applications or processes. For high-security environments, consider device hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary services and enforcing secure boot mechanisms. Finally, maintain an inventory of devices with affected chipsets to prioritize patch deployment and incident response readiness.