System-level privilege escalation via out-of-bounds write
Published Aug 4, 2025 · Updated Feb 26, 2026
An out-of-bounds write in MediaTek Power HAL on Android 13.0, 14.0, and 15.0 allows local users with System privilege to escalate privileges. Power HAL fails to perform a required bounds check before writing; MediaTek has not disclosed the affected function or input path. Exploitation requires existing System privilege on an affected MediaTek chipset, needs no user interaction, and permits further local privilege escalation.
Summary
What happened
An out-of-bounds write in MediaTek Power HAL on Android 13.0, 14.0, and 15.0 allows local users with System privilege to escalate privileges. Power HAL fails to perform a required bounds check before writing; MediaTek has not disclosed the affected function or input path. Exploitation requires existing System privilege on an affected MediaTek chipset, needs no user interaction, and permits further local privilege escalation.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2025-20698
- Published
- Aug 4, 2025
- Updated
- Feb 26, 2026
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1404
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- admin
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 4, 2025CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 26, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
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What is affected?
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Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
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Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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