Remote code execution via unchecked modem input
Published Feb 3, 2025 · Updated Feb 17, 2026
Out-of-bounds write in MediaTek Modem NR16, NR17, and NR17R allows remote attackers to execute code through a rogue base station. The modem processes attacker-controlled cellular input without a required bounds check and writes beyond the intended buffer; MediaTek has not disclosed the specific handler or buffer. Exploitation requires the UE to connect to an attacker-controlled base station, but requires no privileges or user interaction and enables code execution.
Summary
What happened
Out-of-bounds write in MediaTek Modem NR16, NR17, and NR17R allows remote attackers to execute code through a rogue base station. The modem processes attacker-controlled cellular input without a required bounds check and writes beyond the intended buffer; MediaTek has not disclosed the specific handler or buffer. Exploitation requires the UE to connect to an attacker-controlled base station, but requires no privileges or user interaction and enables code execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2025-20634
- Published
- Feb 3, 2025
- Updated
- Feb 17, 2026
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1203
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 3, 2025CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 17, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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What is affected?
Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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