CVE-2025-20805 Overview
CVE-2025-20805 is a use after free vulnerability in the MediaTek DPE (Depth Processing Engine) component affecting Android devices with specific MediaTek chipsets. This memory corruption flaw could allow an attacker who has already obtained System-level privileges to escalate their access further. The vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for devices where an attacker has already achieved initial compromise.
Critical Impact
Local privilege escalation via memory corruption in MediaTek DPE component allows attackers with System privileges to achieve further access through use after free exploitation.
Affected Products
- Google Android 16.0
- MediaTek MT6899 Chipset
- MediaTek MT6991 Chipset
- MediaTek MT8793 Chipset
Discovery Timeline
- January 6, 2026 - CVE-2025-20805 published to NVD
- January 8, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-20805
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability (CWE-416: Use After Free) exists within the DPE (Depth Processing Engine) component of MediaTek chipsets. Use after free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit. In this case, the memory corruption can be triggered locally, requiring no user interaction but necessitating that the attacker already possesses System-level privileges on the device.
The vulnerability affects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system, as successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising sensitive data or disrupting device functionality.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper memory management within the DPE component. When memory is freed but a reference (pointer) to that memory is still used, the program may read or write to memory that has been reallocated for other purposes. This use after free condition in the DPE driver allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have existing access to the target device. Specifically, the attacker must have already obtained System-level privileges before exploiting this vulnerability. The exploitation does not require any user interaction, and the attack complexity is low once the prerequisite access is achieved.
The exploitation flow typically involves:
- Attacker gains initial System-level access through another vector
- Attacker triggers the use after free condition in the DPE component
- Memory corruption occurs, allowing manipulation of freed memory
- Attacker achieves further privilege escalation beyond System privileges
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20805
Indicators of Compromise
- Anomalous process behavior involving the DPE driver or related kernel modules
- Unexpected memory access patterns or crashes in depth processing functionality
- System logs showing unusual kernel memory allocation/deallocation sequences
- Signs of privilege escalation attempts following System-level compromise
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for suspicious activity targeting MediaTek-specific drivers and components
- Implement kernel-level monitoring for anomalous memory operations in DPE-related processes
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying use after free exploitation patterns
- Review system logs for evidence of memory corruption or privilege escalation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging on Android devices with affected MediaTek chipsets
- Monitor for unexpected behavior in camera and depth-sensing applications that utilize DPE
- Implement mobile threat detection solutions to identify exploitation attempts
- Establish baselines for normal DPE component behavior to detect anomalies
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20805
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch identified by Patch ID ALPS10114696 from MediaTek
- Review and update Android devices to the latest available security patch level
- Implement defense-in-depth measures to prevent initial System-level compromise
- Audit devices for signs of prior compromise before patching
Patch Information
MediaTek has released a security patch addressing this vulnerability. The patch is tracked under Patch ID ALPS10114696 and Issue ID MSV-4480. Organizations should refer to the MediaTek Security Bulletin for January 2026 for detailed patch information and apply updates through their device manufacturer's update channels.
Workarounds
- Restrict physical access to affected devices to prevent local exploitation
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized System-level access
- Consider disabling non-essential features that utilize the DPE component where feasible
- Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor device integrity
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
