MediaTek Apusys UAF Enables Local Priv Esc
CVE-2026-20542 Published on October 5, 2026
In apusys, there is a possible memory corruption due to use after free. 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: ALPS11076799; Issue ID: MSV-8143.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-20542 is exploitable with local system access, and requires user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Dangling pointer Vulnerability?
Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code.
CVE-2026-20542 has been classified to as a Dangling pointer vulnerability or weakness.
Affected Versions
MediaTek, Inc. MediaTek chipset:- Version MT2718 is affected.
- Version MT6878 is affected.
- Version MT6897 is affected.
- Version MT6899 is affected.
- Version MT6989 is affected.
- Version MT6991 is affected.
- Version MT8171 is affected.
- Version MT8188 is affected.
- Version MT8189 is affected.
- Version MT8196 is affected.
- Version MT8370 is affected.
- Version MT8371 is affected.
- Version MT8390 is affected.
- Version MT8391 is affected.
- Version MT8395 is affected.
- Version MT8678 is affected.
- Version MT8792 is affected.
- Version MT8793 is affected.
- Version MT8796 is affected.