CVE-2025-20658 in MT2718
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2025
In DA, there is a possible permission bypass due to a logic error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege, if an attacker has physical access to the device, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09474894; Issue ID: MSV-2597.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20658 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the DA system architecture that fundamentally undermines the security model of the affected platform. This logic error creates a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation that can be exploited by attackers who possess physical access to the target device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring any additional execution privileges beyond what is already available to an attacker with physical access, making it an attractive target for adversaries who can directly interact with the hardware. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that the attack can be executed automatically upon device access, significantly reducing the attack surface and increasing the potential impact of such an exploit.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from a fundamental logic error within the permission handling mechanisms of the DA system, which likely involves improper validation of access controls or flawed privilege checking routines. This type of vulnerability typically manifests when the system fails to properly verify the authorization status of entities attempting to perform privileged operations, creating a gap in the security boundary that can be exploited to elevate privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and it demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for local system compromise. The specific nature of this logic error suggests that the system may be incorrectly granting elevated permissions to processes or users that should be restricted, potentially allowing malicious code execution with higher privileges than intended.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to device security when physical access is compromised, as it enables attackers to gain root or administrative privileges without requiring any additional authentication or execution privileges. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the device, including access to sensitive data, ability to modify system configurations, and potential for persistent backdoor establishment. The fact that no user interaction is required makes this particularly dangerous in environments where physical security may be compromised, such as public devices, shared workstations, or devices that are not properly secured. This vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that can be exploited by anyone with physical access, making it a significant concern for organizations that do not properly secure their devices or implement proper physical access controls.
The recommended mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the provided patch ALPS09474894 which addresses the underlying logic error in the permission handling mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected devices, particularly those that may be physically accessible to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, implementing proper physical security measures such as device encryption, secure boot mechanisms, and restricted access controls can help mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics also suggest that organizations should review their privilege management policies and ensure that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains involving initial access through physical compromise followed by privilege escalation to achieve persistent system control. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar logic errors in other system components that may present similar risks.