Overview
CVE-2025-20751 is a security vulnerability affecting MediaTek modems. This vulnerability, stemming from a missing bounds check, could allow a remote attacker to trigger a system crash, leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability can be exploited if a User Equipment (UE) connects to a rogue base station controlled by a malicious actor.
Technical Details
The core issue lies in the modem’s handling of incoming data without proper validation of the data’s boundaries. Specifically, a missing bounds check allows an attacker controlling a rogue base station to send crafted data that exceeds the expected buffer limits. This overflow leads to memory corruption and, ultimately, a system crash within the modem component. The vulnerability is identified by Issue ID MSV-4297 and is addressed by Patch ID MOLY01661195.
CVSS Analysis
While the provided information indicates that the CVSS score and severity are “N/A,” the impact of this vulnerability should be considered significant. The potential for remote denial-of-service without requiring user interaction or special execution privileges suggests a high-risk scenario. A proper CVSS scoring, when available, would likely reflect this severity. This section will be updated when a CVSS score is formally released.
Possible Impact
The successful exploitation of CVE-2025-20751 can result in the following:
- Denial of Service: Affected devices will experience a system crash, rendering them unable to connect to the network or perform their intended functions.
- Interruption of Communication: Users may lose connectivity and the ability to make calls, send messages, or access data services.
- Potential Secondary Exploitation (Speculative): Although not explicitly stated, a crashed modem could potentially open avenues for further exploitation, depending on the system architecture and any other vulnerabilities present.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to apply the provided patch (Patch ID: MOLY01661195). Contact your device manufacturer or carrier to inquire about the availability of this patch for your specific device model. Keeping your device’s firmware up-to-date is crucial for addressing security vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-20751.
