CVE-2025-20796 Memory corruption in MediaTek chipset

High 7.8 Published Updated

A local attacker with System privileges can escalate privileges via an out-of-bounds write in the imgsys component of MediaTek chipsets.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Any signed-in user
Attackable
Local or same network only
Victim action needed
Not needed
Fix
None listed

What is CVE-2025-20796?

CVE-2025-20796 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Google Android, published on 6 Jan 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In imgsys, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10314745; Issue ID: MSV-5553.

Weakness: CWE-1285

Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-20796?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2025-20796?

No fix has been published for CVE-2025-20796 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2025-20796 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-20796 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-gcc9-9787-r555.

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