CVE-2025-20696 in MT6739
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2025
In DA, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. 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 needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09915215; Issue ID: MSV-3801.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20696 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the DA component of a system architecture that has significant implications for device security. This issue stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms during memory operations, creating a scenario where malicious code could potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where DA refers to a data acquisition or processing module that handles sensitive operations, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the DA component processes input data without validating the boundaries of memory allocations. This missing bounds check allows for potential buffer overflow conditions that could be exploited to overwrite critical system memory segments. The flaw is classified as a direct consequence of inadequate input validation and memory management practices, aligning with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-121 and CWE-125 categories that focus on buffer overflow conditions and out-of-bounds memory access. The vulnerability's nature suggests it operates within kernel-level or privileged execution contexts where such memory corruption could have severe consequences for system integrity.
From an operational standpoint, the exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess physical access to the target device, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to remotely exploitable flaws. However, the requirement for physical access does not diminish the severity of the potential impact, as local privilege escalation remains a critical concern. The need for user interaction during exploitation indicates that the attack vector likely involves some form of social engineering or physical manipulation of the device to trigger the vulnerable code path. This requirement for user interaction suggests the vulnerability may be triggered through legitimate device usage patterns or specific input sequences that cause the DA component to process unvalidated data.
The patch identifier ALPS09915215 and issue reference MSV-3801 indicate that this vulnerability has been properly identified and addressed by the vendor through a targeted software update. The mitigation strategy involves implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the DA component to prevent unauthorized memory writes and ensure that all data processing operations respect allocated memory boundaries. Organizations should prioritize deployment of this patch to protect against potential local privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1547 which addresses privilege escalation via system services. Given the physical access requirement, this vulnerability may be particularly relevant in environments where device security is compromised through physical tampering or insider threats, making it essential for security teams to monitor and remediate this issue promptly.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation concerns to encompass potential system stability and data integrity risks. Memory corruption issues of this nature can lead to system crashes, data loss, or more sophisticated attack vectors if combined with other vulnerabilities. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a comprehensive device security assessment, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where devices are deployed in high-risk operational contexts. The absence of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal initial access rights, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.