CVE-2026-20414
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the imgsys component that allows local privilege escalation. An attacker who already has System privilege can exploit this to gain higher privileges without user interaction. This affects devices using MediaTek chipsets with vulnerable imgsys implementations.
💻 Affected Systems
- MediaTek chipset devices with imgsys component
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root/kernel-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and system manipulation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from System to higher privileged contexts, enabling further attacks within the device.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper privilege separation and exploit mitigations are in place, but still concerning for device integrity.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires System privilege first; use-after-free bugs are often reliable to exploit once initial access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patch ID: ALPS10362999
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/February-2026
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device/OS vendor for security updates. 2. Apply MediaTek patch ALPS10362999. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privilege Access
linuxLimit which applications/users can obtain System privilege to reduce attack surface.
Review and harden SELinux/AppArmor policies
Audit applications with System privilege
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application sandboxing and privilege separation
- Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts and System privilege usage
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if device uses MediaTek chipset and imgsys component; review kernel/module versions against patch requirements.Check Version:
Check device firmware/OS version and patch level via vendor-specific commandsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patch ALPS10362999 is applied through vendor update logs or system patch status.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic/crash logs related to imgsys
- Unexpected privilege escalation from System context
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'imgsys' AND ('use after free' OR 'privilege escalation' OR 'kernel panic') in system logs