CVE-2026-20413

6.7 MEDIUM

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the imgsys component due to missing bounds checks. It allows local privilege escalation from System privilege to higher privileges without user interaction. This affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable imgsys implementations.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • MediaTek chipset devices with imgsys component
Versions: Specific versions not detailed in CVE; check MediaTek advisory for affected chipset models/firmware.
Operating Systems: Android/Linux-based systems using MediaTek chipsets
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Requires System privilege first; affects devices with specific MediaTek chipset implementations.

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise with root/kernel-level access, enabling persistent backdoors, data theft, and full device control.

🟠

Likely Case

Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access sensitive data.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper privilege separation and SELinux/app sandboxing are enforced, though kernel compromise may still be possible.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access and System privilege first.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Could be chained with other exploits in multi-stage attacks within compromised environments.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires existing System privilege; no user interaction needed once initial access is gained.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS10362725

Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/February-2026

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check device chipset and firmware version. 2. Apply MediaTek-provided patch ALPS10362725. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify patch installation via vendor tools.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict System Privilege Access

linux

Limit applications/services with System privilege to reduce attack surface.

Review SELinux/app sandbox policies
Remove unnecessary System privileges from apps

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict SELinux/app sandboxing to contain potential privilege escalation.
  • Monitor for unusual System privilege usage and kernel module loading.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device chipset model and firmware version against MediaTek advisory; use 'getprop ro.build.fingerprint' and 'cat /proc/cpuinfo' on Android devices.

Check Version:

getprop ro.build.fingerprint && cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep -i mediatek

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify patch ALPS10362725 is applied via vendor update tools or firmware version checks.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Kernel panic logs
  • Unexpected imgsys process crashes
  • SELinux/app sandbox violation alerts for System privilege escalation

Network Indicators:

  • None - local exploit only

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("imgsys" OR "out-of-bounds") OR source="selinux" AND "avc: denied" AND "system"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2026-20413
CVSS v3 Score: 6.7 (MEDIUM)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CWE: CWE-1285
Published: February 2, 2026
Last Updated: February 4, 2026

🤖 AI-assisted analysis, reviewed for accuracy

🔗 References

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