CVE-2025-20789 Overview
CVE-2025-20789 is a local information disclosure vulnerability in the MediaTek GPU Physical Direct Memory Access (pdma) component. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check that allows an attacker with local access to read memory contents outside intended buffer boundaries. Exploitation requires user interaction but does not require additional execution privileges. MediaTek tracks the issue as MSV-4538 with patch identifier ALPS10117741. The vulnerability affects multiple MediaTek chipsets running Android, including the MT6781, MT6833, MT6853, MT6877, MT6893, and MT8196.
Critical Impact
A successful exploit leaks sensitive GPU memory contents to a local attacker, which may include process data handled by the GPU driver on affected MediaTek-powered Android devices.
Affected Products
- Google Android 15.0 on MediaTek chipsets
- MediaTek MT6781, MT6833, MT6853, MT6877 chipsets
- MediaTek MT6893 and MT8196 chipsets
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-02 - CVE-2025-20789 published to NVD
- 2025-12-03 - Last updated in NVD database
- December 2025 - MediaTek Product Security Bulletin published with patch ALPS10117741
Technical Details for CVE-2025-20789
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the GPU pdma (physical direct memory access) code path within the MediaTek GPU driver. A missing bounds check allows out-of-range memory access during pdma operations. The defect is classified as [CWE-201] Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data, indicating that data crossing a trust boundary contains unintended sensitive content.
The attack surface is local. An adversary needs to execute code on the device or convince a user to perform an action that triggers the vulnerable code path. Successful exploitation yields a limited confidentiality and integrity impact without affecting availability.
Root Cause
The GPU pdma handler does not validate input bounds before accessing memory regions. Without bounds enforcement, the driver reads or processes memory beyond the intended buffer extent. Sensitive kernel or process data adjacent to the buffer is then exposed through the driver interface to the calling context.
Attack Vector
An attacker with local code execution on the device interacts with the GPU pdma interface using crafted parameters. User interaction is required, which suggests the attacker leverages a user-facing app or workflow to trigger the vulnerable operation. The attacker then collects leaked memory contents returned by the GPU driver. The published MediaTek bulletin does not include a public proof of concept, and no exploitation in the wild has been reported.
For technical details, see the MediaTek Product Security Bulletin.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20789
Indicators of Compromise
- No public indicators of compromise have been published for CVE-2025-20789.
- Unexpected applications repeatedly invoking GPU pdma ioctls on affected MediaTek devices may warrant investigation.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory MediaTek-based Android devices and verify firmware build dates against the December 2025 MediaTek security bulletin.
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) compliance reports for devices missing the ALPS10117741 patch level.
- Inspect installed applications for unsigned or sideloaded packages that request GPU access without a clear functional need.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce MDM policies that report Android security patch levels and flag devices below the December 2025 patch.
- Collect mobile threat defense telemetry on anomalous GPU driver usage by third-party applications.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications on managed devices to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerable code path.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20789
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the December 2025 Android security patch level on all affected MediaTek-powered devices.
- Coordinate with device OEMs to confirm integration of MediaTek patch ALPS10117741 into vendor firmware images.
- Block installation of untrusted applications on managed Android devices through MDM policy.
Patch Information
MediaTek released the fix in the December 2025 Product Security Bulletin under patch ID ALPS10117741, issue ID MSV-4538. Device manufacturers must integrate the patch into their Android firmware. Users should install the corresponding OEM update once available. Reference the MediaTek Product Security Bulletin for vendor guidance.
Workarounds
- No vendor-provided workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation.
- Limit user interaction with untrusted applications that could invoke GPU pdma functionality until the OEM patch is installed.
- Use MDM controls to restrict sideloading and enforce application allowlists on affected devices.
# Verify Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
