CVE-2025-20698 in MT2718
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2025
In Power HAL, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09915400; Issue ID: MSV-3793.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20698 resides within the Power Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) of an Android-based system, representing a critical security flaw that could enable local privilege escalation. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition occurring in the power management subsystem, which operates at a low level within the operating system architecture. The Power HAL serves as a crucial interface between the Android framework and underlying hardware power management components, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to elevate their privileges within the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the Power HAL implementation, specifically in how the system handles power-related data structures and memory operations. When processing certain power management commands or configurations, the code fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before writing data, creating a scenario where malicious data could overwrite adjacent memory locations. This missing validation represents a classic software flaw categorized under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of hardware abstraction and system-level programming, where improper memory management can lead to unpredictable behavior and security compromises.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems that rely on the Power HAL for power management functions, particularly those running on Android platforms where this subsystem is integral to device operation. The flaw requires only a pre-existing system-level privilege to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has already gained access to a system-level account or service can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to a higher administrative level. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where system-level access might be obtained through other means, such as through legitimate system services or compromised applications with elevated permissions. The lack of user interaction requirement for exploitation means that the vulnerability can be triggered automatically without any human intervention, making it especially concerning for embedded systems and IoT devices that operate continuously.
The patch for this vulnerability, identified by patch ID ALPS09915400 and associated with issue ID MSV-3793, addresses the missing bounds check in the Power HAL implementation. This patch likely involves implementing proper array boundary validation before any memory write operations occur, ensuring that all data access within the power management subsystem adheres to established memory safety protocols. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to escalate access rights. The remediation process requires careful implementation and testing to ensure that the bounds checking does not introduce performance regressions or break existing power management functionality. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch as part of their vulnerability management strategy, particularly in environments where devices might be exposed to potential attackers who could obtain system-level access through other means. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety practices in system-level code and highlights the need for comprehensive code reviews and static analysis tools to identify similar issues in hardware abstraction layers and other low-level system components.