CVE-2026-20501 Memory corruption in MediaTek chipset

High 8.4 Published 7 Sep 2026 Updated 8 Sep 2026

A heap buffer overflow in MediaTek chipset firmware allows local attackers to escalate privileges without user interaction.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2026-20501?

CVE-2026-20501 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in MediaTek, Inc. MediaTek chipset, published on 7 Sep 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In vdec, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS11262030; Issue ID: MSV-9197.

Weakness: CWE-122

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20501?

It affects 53 products.

Products include Mediatek Mt2718 Firmware, Mediatek Mt6580 Firmware, Mediatek Mt6739 Firmware, Mediatek Mt6761 Firmware, Mediatek Mt6765 Firmware, Mediatek Mt6768 Firmware and 47 more.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20501?

Apply the vendor's patch.

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

Is CVE-2026-20501 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-20501 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-fmxm-vg76-2r5p.