CVE-2026-20498 Missing authorization in MediaTek chipset

Medium 6.0 Published 3 Aug 2026 Updated 5 Aug 2026

A missing permission check in MediaTek chipset firmware allows local attackers with System privileges to escalate privileges further.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: An administrator
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-20498?

CVE-2026-20498 is a medium-severity missing authorization vulnerability in MediaTek, Inc. MediaTek chipset, published on 3 Aug 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In geniezone, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10900493; Issue ID: MSV-6765.

Weakness: CWE-1287

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20498?

It affects 10 products.

Products include Mediatek Mt6991 Firmware, Mediatek Mt8768 Firmware, Mediatek Mt8791t Firmware, Mediatek Mt8792 Firmware, Mediatek Mt8796 Firmware, Mediatek Mt8799 Firmware and 4 more.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20498?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-20498 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2026-20498 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-20498 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-777x-vvpp-fv9v.