Overview of CVE-2025-20646
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20646 affects certain MediaTek WLAN firmware components, including the MT6890, MT7915, MT7916, MT7981, and MT7986 models. This issue is present in SDK release 7.6.7.2 and earlier versions, as it suffers from an CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability. This flaw arises due to improper input validation mechanisms within the software’s framework.
The out-of-bounds write condition allows attackers to escalate privileges remotely, potentially leading to severe consequences, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data or further exploitation of affected systems. Notably, this exploit does not require any specific execution privileges or user interaction, making it a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape.
Impact of the Vulnerability
CVE-2025-20646 presents a high risk as it permits remote privilege escalation without user intervention. Servers and systems using the affected MediaTek WLAN chips are vulnerable to attacks that can compromise their integrity, availability, and confidentiality.
The potential impact includes:
- Unauthorized access to sensitive networks or data.
- Deployment of malicious payloads to further exploit the network.
- Interference with normal operations leading to denial-of-service conditions.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2025-20646, organizations should consider the following strategies:
- Update Firmware: Implement the patch provided by MediaTek as soon as possible. The patch ID for this vulnerability is WCNCR00389074, which addresses the input validation flaws in the firmware.
- Network Segmentation: Consider segmenting your network to isolate vulnerable devices, minimizing potential attack pathways and limiting further exploitation.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor unusual activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Fortinet’s security solutions can provide comprehensive monitoring and alerting capabilities.
- Apply Security Policies: Enforce strict access control policies and ensure that only trusted personnel have administrative access to sensitive network components.
Conclusion
Given the high impact potential of CVE-2025-20646, immediate action is crucial to protect your network infrastructure. Ensure your system administrators are aware of the updates required and implement them promptly. For additional information, you can refer to MediaTek’s official product security bulletin: March 2025 Security Bulletin.