CVE-2025-20796 is a vulnerability identified in MediaTek's MT6989, MT8796, and MT8893 chipsets, specifically impacting the imgsys component responsible for image processing. The root cause is an out-of-bounds write triggered by improper input validation, classified under CWE-1285. This flaw can be exploited locally by an attacker who already possesses System-level privileges on the device, with the additional requirement of user interaction to trigger the vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to escalation of privileges, granting the attacker enhanced control over the device, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The vulnerability affects devices running Android 15.0, a recent version of the operating system, indicating that newer devices or those updated to this OS version are at risk. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and no user interaction needed for the escalation phase. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of a patch (ALPS10314745) indicates that MediaTek has addressed the issue. The vulnerability's impact is significant in environments where local system access can be obtained, such as multi-user devices or scenarios involving malicious insiders or compromised applications with elevated privileges. The imgsys component's role in media processing suggests that exploitation might be triggered through crafted media files or interactions with media-related services, emphasizing the need for cautious handling of untrusted media inputs.

For European organizations, the primary impact lies in potential local privilege escalation on devices using affected MediaTek chipsets running Android 15.0. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of system functions, or disruption of device availability. Sectors relying heavily on mobile devices for critical operations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, may face increased risk if devices are compromised. The vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if attackers gain elevated privileges on mobile endpoints. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction and existing system privileges limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or malware that can gain initial access. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future attacks, especially as Android 15 adoption grows. Organizations with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies or less controlled mobile environments may be particularly vulnerable. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, given the potential for full system compromise post-exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-20796, European organizations should prioritize deploying the official MediaTek patch ALPS10314745 as soon as it becomes available for their devices. Device management policies should enforce timely OS and firmware updates, especially for Android 15.0 devices with affected chipsets. Restrict local system access to trusted users and implement strong authentication mechanisms to reduce the risk of privilege escalation. Employ mobile threat defense solutions that monitor for suspicious local activity or privilege abuse. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted media files or applications that could trigger the vulnerability. For environments with BYOD, enforce strict device compliance checks and consider containerization or sandboxing of sensitive applications. Network segmentation can limit the impact of compromised devices. Continuous monitoring for unusual privilege escalations or system behavior on mobile endpoints is recommended. Finally, collaborate with device vendors and security communities to stay informed about emerging exploits or additional patches.