System crash via modem null pointer dereference
Published Jan 6, 2026 · Updated Jan 6, 2026
A null pointer dereference in MediaTek Modem allows physically proximate attackers to crash a connected device through a rogue base station. The modem's error-handling path dereferences a null pointer, but MediaTek has not disclosed the specific message, function, or failed condition. Exploitation requires the device to connect to an attacker-controlled base station, needs neither device privileges nor user interaction, and causes a system crash rather than data access or code execution.
Summary
What happened
A null pointer dereference in MediaTek Modem allows physically proximate attackers to crash a connected device through a rogue base station. The modem's error-handling path dereferences a null pointer, but MediaTek has not disclosed the specific message, function, or failed condition. Exploitation requires the device to connect to an attacker-controlled base station, needs neither device privileges nor user interaction, and causes a system crash rather than data access or code execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2025-20793
- Published
- Jan 6, 2026
- Updated
- Jan 6, 2026
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-476, T1642
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 6, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jan 6, 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.
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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