CVE-2025-20686 in MT6890
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
In wlan AP driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote (proximal/adjacent) code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: WCNCR00415570; Issue ID: MSV-3404.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20686 resides within the wireless local area network access point driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that emerges from an insufficient bounds checking mechanism during memory operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the wlan AP driver which manages wireless network access point functionality and handles incoming wireless communication requests from client devices. The improper bounds validation allows an attacker to manipulate memory access patterns beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in how the driver validates input parameters during wireless frame processing operations. When the wlan AP driver receives wireless packets containing malformed data structures, the bounds checking logic fails to properly validate the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer space. This incorrect validation creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specially designed wireless frames that cause the driver to write data beyond the intended memory allocation. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where wireless access points are exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a remote code execution vector that requires no user interaction or elevated privileges for exploitation. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered from adjacent wireless networks, meaning that attackers do not need to be physically present or have direct network access to exploit the flaw. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through network services and represents a significant risk for enterprise wireless infrastructure. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Windows operating systems that support wireless access point functionality, particularly those running on servers or devices that function as wireless access points in enterprise environments.
The exploitability of CVE-2025-20686 is enhanced by the fact that it requires no additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it a highly dangerous vulnerability for network administrators to address. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized control over wireless access point devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue places it within the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically addressing heap-based buffer overflows that occur due to inadequate bounds checking. The patch ID WCNCR00415570 and issue ID MSV-3404 indicate that Microsoft has recognized the severity of this vulnerability and has provided a specific remediation for the affected wlan AP driver components.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment to address this vulnerability, as the remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless access points are widely deployed. The vulnerability's impact extends to both wired and wireless network infrastructure, making it critical for IT security teams to assess their wireless network configurations and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Network segmentation and wireless access point hardening measures should be implemented as additional defensive controls while awaiting patch deployment. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in driver development, particularly around memory management and input validation, as outlined in industry security standards and best practices for secure software development lifecycle implementation.