CVE-2025-20718 in MT6890
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2025
In wlan AP driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: WCNCR00419945; Issue ID: MSV-3581.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20718 resides within the wireless local area network access point driver component, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write condition that stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism. This flaw exists in the kernel-level driver responsible for managing wireless network communications and represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors. The issue has been classified as a local privilege escalation vulnerability requiring only standard user execution privileges to exploit, eliminating the need for user interaction during the attack vector. The vulnerability was addressed through patch WCNCR00419945 and is catalogued under Microsoft Security Vulnerability MSV-3581, indicating its significance within the corporate security landscape. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of input parameters within the driver's memory management routines, where the bounds checking logic fails to properly verify array or buffer limits before performing write operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables an attacker with standard user privileges to execute code with elevated privileges, effectively allowing for local privilege escalation. This occurs because the flawed bounds checking mechanism permits memory writes beyond allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting critical kernel memory structures or data. The out-of-bounds write condition creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the wireless driver, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution in kernel space. According to the CWE classification system, this vulnerability maps to CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is a well-documented weakness in software development where programs write data past the boundaries of allocated buffers. The attack vector leverages the fact that the wireless driver operates with elevated privileges to manage network interfaces, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain full control over the wireless network interface and associated system resources. The local nature of the exploitation means that an attacker could compromise a system without requiring network access or additional user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts are prevalent. The vulnerability's presence in a wireless access point driver component suggests potential implications for enterprise network security, as compromised endpoints could serve as launching points for broader network attacks. Organizations may face risks including unauthorized network access, data interception, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The fact that this vulnerability requires no user interaction makes it particularly concerning for environments where automated attacks or compromised user accounts are possible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-20718 should prioritize immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch WCNCR00419945, which specifically addresses the bounds checking flaw in the wireless driver component. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure that the patch is applied across all wireless access point drivers within their infrastructure. The implementation of additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and exploit protection mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and system log monitoring, particularly focusing on unusual memory access patterns or privilege escalation events. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and may require monitoring for processes exhibiting abnormal memory behavior. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components, particularly in kernel drivers where memory management errors can have severe consequences for system integrity and security.