CVE-2025-20799 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the c2ps component of MediaTek chipsets MT6899, MT6991, MT6993, and MT8793. This vulnerability causes memory corruption by accessing memory after it has been freed, which can lead to unpredictable behavior including escalation of privileges. The flaw affects devices running Android 15.0 and 16.0. Exploitation requires the attacker to have already obtained System privileges, indicating a local attack vector with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. Successful exploitation can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system by allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or disrupt system operations. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, reflecting high severity due to its impact and ease of exploitation once System privileges are obtained. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of this vulnerability in widely used MediaTek chipsets makes it a significant risk. The patch identified as ALPS10274607 addresses this issue, and organizations should apply it promptly to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to devices using affected MediaTek chipsets, which are common in many Android smartphones and embedded systems. The ability to escalate privileges locally without user interaction means that if an attacker gains initial System access—potentially through other vulnerabilities or insider threats—they can fully compromise the device. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. The impact is particularly critical for sectors relying on mobile devices for secure communications, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, embedded systems in IoT devices using these chipsets could be compromised, affecting operational technology environments. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive patching and mitigation before widespread exploitation occurs.

1. Apply the official patch ALPS10274607 from MediaTek or device manufacturers as soon as it becomes available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict and monitor access to System-level privileges on devices to reduce the risk of initial compromise. 3. Implement strict device management policies, including the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce patch deployment and privilege controls. 4. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on devices using affected chipsets. 5. Employ runtime protections such as memory corruption mitigations (e.g., Address Space Layout Randomization, Control Flow Integrity) where supported. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of applying updates promptly. 7. Monitor device logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. For embedded systems, isolate critical devices from general network access and apply network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement.