Overview
CVE-2025-20750 describes a critical vulnerability affecting certain MediaTek modem components. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a system crash, resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the modem software.
Technical Details
The vulnerability, identified as Issue ID MSV-4296, is located within the modem component. Specifically, it arises from a failure to properly validate input data received by the modem. An attacker could potentially exploit this by setting up a rogue base station. When a vulnerable device connects to this malicious base station, the attacker can send specially crafted data that triggers the vulnerability, leading to a system crash.
The exploitation requires no user interaction and does not necessitate any elevated privileges on the affected device. This significantly increases the severity of the vulnerability as it can be exploited silently and remotely.
The identified Patch ID addressing this issue is MOLY01661199.
CVSS Analysis
While the CVSS score is currently listed as N/A, considering the nature of the vulnerability (remote, no user interaction, no privileges required, denial-of-service), it is likely that a CVSS score will be assigned soon. When calculated, it is highly probable that the score will be in the High to Critical range. The lack of proper input validation coupled with the ease of exploitation makes this a significant threat.
Possible Impact
The successful exploitation of CVE-2025-20750 can lead to a complete denial of service on the affected device. This means the device’s modem functionality will become unavailable, impacting services such as:
- Cellular connectivity (voice calls, SMS, data)
- Location services that rely on cellular triangulation
- Any other applications that rely on modem functionality
Given the remote nature of the vulnerability, a large-scale attack targeting many devices simultaneously is a possibility, potentially causing widespread disruption.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to apply the patch provided by MediaTek. Contact your device manufacturer to inquire about the availability of the MOLY01661199 patch for your specific device model.
- Contact your device vendor: Check the support website or contact your device manufacturer directly to inquire about updates and patches.
- Install available updates: If a software update containing the patch is available, install it immediately.
- Monitor for suspicious network activity: While this is not a preventative measure, monitoring network traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts.
End users should prioritize installing updates promptly when they become available.
