CVE-2025-20798 is a security vulnerability classified as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) found in multiple MediaTek chipsets, including MT2718, MT6765, MT6768, MT6781, MT6833, MT6835, MT6853, MT6855, MT6877, MT6879, MT6893, MT6985, MT6989, MT6991, MT8186, MT8188, MT8196, MT8367, MT8391, MT8676, MT8678, MT8696, MT8766, MT8768, MT8781, MT8786, MT8788E, MT8791T, MT8792, MT8793, MT8796, MT8873, MT8883, and MT8893. These chipsets are widely used in Android devices running versions 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. The vulnerability arises from a missing bounds check in the battery component, which can cause an out-of-bounds write operation. This flaw allows a local attacker who has already obtained System-level privileges to escalate their privileges further, potentially gaining full control over the device. Notably, exploitation does not require any user interaction, making it easier to leverage in compromised environments. While there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the broad range of affected devices and the critical nature of privilege escalation. The issue was reserved in November 2024 and published in January 2026, with no CVSS score assigned yet. The lack of a patch link indicates that remediation may still be pending or in progress. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected devices by enabling unauthorized privilege escalation, which could lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, or device manipulation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-20798 could be substantial, especially for those relying on mobile devices with MediaTek chipsets for business operations, communications, or sensitive data access. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges on compromised devices, bypassing security controls and potentially gaining persistent access. This could facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks, data exfiltration, or sabotage of device functionality. The absence of required user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure could face heightened risks due to the sensitive nature of their data and operations. Additionally, the widespread use of affected chipsets in consumer devices means that supply chain and endpoint security could be compromised, impacting remote workers and mobile employees. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, affecting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed.

To mitigate CVE-2025-20798, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor MediaTek and device vendor advisories closely and apply security patches promptly once available. 2) Implement strict privilege separation on devices, limiting System-level access to trusted processes only. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, detect anomalous behavior, and restrict installation of untrusted applications. 4) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on mobile endpoints to identify potential exploitation attempts. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of timely updates. 6) Where possible, isolate critical corporate applications and data using containerization or sandboxing to reduce the impact of compromised devices. 7) Collaborate with device manufacturers and carriers to ensure security updates are delivered efficiently. 8) Consider network-level protections such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that can identify suspicious activity originating from mobile devices. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on layered defenses, proactive monitoring, and rapid patch management tailored to the specific nature of this vulnerability.