CVE-2026-20478 in MT2735
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2026
In Audio HAL, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to local denial of service with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10981454 (Note: For MT6880, MT6890, MT6988, MT6990) / AUTO00851293 (Note: For MT2735, MT2737); Issue ID: MSV-7638.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2026
The vulnerability resides within the Audio Hardware Abstraction Layer of Android-based systems, specifically affecting MediaTek chipsets including MT6880, MT6890, MT6988, and MT6990 platforms. This heap buffer overflow represents a critical security flaw that allows for out-of-bounds memory writes, potentially enabling attackers to corrupt adjacent memory locations and disrupt normal system operations. The issue manifests as a direct consequence of improper bounds checking within the audio processing routines where input data is not adequately validated before being written to allocated heap memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Audio HAL component that processes audio data streams. When malformed or oversized audio parameters are passed to the system, the code fails to properly verify buffer boundaries before executing write operations. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the audio subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications running with standard user privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a direct exploitation path for privilege escalation scenarios where local execution is sufficient to trigger the condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for device integrity and availability. While the attack requires only user-level execution privileges and does not necessitate user interaction, successful exploitation results in local denial of service conditions that can render audio functionality completely non-operational. The impact extends beyond simple audio disruption as memory corruption could potentially lead to system instability, application crashes, or even complete device reboot cycles. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to repeatedly crash audio services, making the device unusable for legitimate audio applications and creating persistent denial of service conditions.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patch deployment through official firmware updates provided by MediaTek and device manufacturers. System administrators should prioritize applying patches identified under ALPS10981454 and AUTO00851293, which specifically address the buffer overflow conditions in affected chipsets. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation controls within audio processing applications, enabling memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and employing runtime monitoring systems to detect anomalous memory access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts and establish comprehensive monitoring protocols to identify unauthorized audio subsystem modifications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1499, Endpoint Denial of Service, making it a critical concern for enterprise security posture management and mobile device security frameworks.