Overview of CVE-2025-20644
CVE-2025-20644 is a recently disclosed vulnerability affecting various MediaTek modem chips. This security flaw pertains to a potential memory corruption induced by incorrect error handling in the modem software. The vulnerability could be exploited to launch a remote denial of service (DoS) attack when a User Equipment (UE) connects to a rogue base station. Notably, exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges nor user interaction, making it a significant risk factor for affected devices.
Affected Products
The vulnerability impacts a broad range of MediaTek modem models, including but not limited to MT2735, MT6833, MT6853, and MT6877T. The specific software versions susceptible to this vulnerability are Modem NR15 and NR16. These components are commonly embedded in numerous consumer electronics, thereby amplifying the scope of potential impact.
Understanding the Threat
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1286: Syntactic Correctness. Although primarily resulting in DoS, memory corruption flaws can sometimes pave the way for more severe exploitations such as data breaches or unauthorized access, especially if paired with other vulnerabilities. Due to the nature of the threat, it is crucial to remain vigilant against attempts where attackers may deploy rogue base stations to exploit this weakness.
Mitigation Strategies
Mitigating CVE-2025-20644 involves several proactive measures:
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply firmware updates provided by MediaTek. The vulnerability is addressed in the Patch ID: MOLY01525673.
- Secure Network Configurations: Strengthening network security parameters to detect and prevent connections to unauthorized base stations can be a vital line of defense.
- Monitoring and Incident Response: Implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to quickly identify and respond to suspicious network activities indicative of exploitation attempts.
Conclusion
While CVE-2025-20644 presents a notable threat to MediaTek modem devices, informed and proactive actions can mitigate risks significantly. Always ensure device firmware is up-to-date and network security configurations are robust. Keeping abreast of the latest security advisories is imperative to maintain a resilient cyber defense posture.
For further details and updates, reference the official MediaTek product security bulletin via this link.