CVE-2026-20501: CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in MediaTek, Inc. MediaTek chipset
Description
CVE-2026-20501 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the vdec component of MediaTek chipsets. It allows a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple MediaTek chipset versions. The CVSS score is 8.4, indicating high severity.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.4high
Affected software
MediaTek, Inc.
MediaTek chipset
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20501) involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the vdec component of MediaTek chipsets. The flaw allows an out-of-bounds write on the heap, which can lead to local privilege escalation. Exploitation does not require user interaction or additional execution privileges. The issue is tracked under MediaTek's internal ID MSV-9197 and patched under Patch ID ALPS11262030. The vulnerability affects a wide range of MediaTek chipset versions explicitly listed in the affectedVersions field.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to local escalation of privilege, granting an attacker higher privileges on the affected device. The CVSS score of 8.4 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No user interaction is needed, increasing the risk of exploitation in local scenarios.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The vendor has assigned a patch ID (ALPS11262030), indicating a fix may exist, but no explicit patch link or official fix confirmation is provided in the input data. Users and administrators should monitor MediaTek advisories for the official patch and apply it once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- MediaTek
- Date Reserved
- 2025-11-03T01:30:59.028Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a9e1c72acd9273b49c51d67
Added to database: 09/07/2026, 02:07:46 UTC
Last enriched: 09/15/2026, 01:20:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/21/2026, 13:20:20 UTC
Views: 61
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