CVE-2025-31714 is a vulnerability identified in several Unisoc (Shanghai) Technologies Co., Ltd. chipsets, specifically models SL8521E, SL8521ET, SL8541E, UIS8141E, UWS6137, UWS6137E, UWS6151(E), and UWS6152. These chipsets are integrated into devices running Mocor5 and Android versions 8.1 and 9. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) within the Developer Tools component of the affected systems. Improper input validation means that the software fails to correctly verify or sanitize inputs, which can be exploited by an attacker to provide crafted inputs that the system does not expect or handle safely. This flaw can lead to a local escalation of privilege without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level, with a vector showing that the attack requires local access (AV:P), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning successful exploitation could allow an attacker to fully compromise the affected device's security posture. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for privilege escalation on devices using these chipsets. The lack of available patches at the time of publication further increases the urgency for mitigation. Given the affected Android versions and chipsets, this vulnerability is particularly relevant for embedded systems, IoT devices, and mobile devices using Unisoc chipsets, which are common in budget and mid-range smartphones and other connected devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-31714 can be considerable, especially for those relying on devices powered by Unisoc chipsets running the affected Android versions. The vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges without needing prior elevated permissions or user interaction, potentially enabling them to gain full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, disruption of device functionality, and the possibility of these compromised devices being used as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks. Industries with high reliance on mobile and embedded devices, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, are particularly at risk. Moreover, the vulnerability could be exploited in supply chain attacks or insider threat scenarios where an attacker has physical or local access to devices. Given the medium severity score but high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations must prioritize identifying affected devices and implementing mitigations to prevent exploitation. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense but should not lead to complacency.

1. Inventory and Identification: Conduct a thorough inventory of all devices within the organization to identify those using Unisoc chipsets, specifically the affected models and running Mocor5 or Android 8.1/9. 2. Access Controls: Restrict physical and local access to devices, as the vulnerability requires local access for exploitation. Implement strict device usage policies and secure storage for devices. 3. Software Updates: Monitor Unisoc and device manufacturers for patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. Apply updates promptly once available. 4. Device Hardening: Disable or restrict access to Developer Tools on affected devices where possible, as the vulnerability resides in this component. 5. Network Segmentation: Isolate devices with Unisoc chipsets on separate network segments to limit potential lateral movement if a device is compromised. 6. Endpoint Detection: Deploy endpoint security solutions capable of detecting unusual privilege escalation attempts or anomalous behavior on mobile and embedded devices. 7. User Awareness: Train users on the risks of local device access and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately. 8. Vendor Engagement: Engage with device vendors and Unisoc for timely information on patches and mitigation strategies. 9. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare incident response plans that include scenarios involving local privilege escalation on mobile and embedded devices.