The specific vulnerability, tracked as , allows a "possible permission bypass due to a logic error" within the Download Agent (DA). This logic error could allow a local attacker with physical access to a device to escalate their privileges without needing any additional execution rights or user interaction. In simple terms, if someone can physically get their hands on your phone, they could potentially bypass security checks and gain deep system access. This vulnerability affects numerous MediaTek chipsets, with the MT6789 being specifically listed among them. It was reported publicly on April 7, 2025, and affects devices running Android versions 12.0 through 15.0.
| CVE | Description | Severity | |-----|-------------|----------| | CVE-2026-20447 | Out-of-bounds read in geniezone leading to privilege escalation | Medium (6.7) | | CVE-2026-20435 | Preloader information disclosure of device identifiers | Medium (4.6) | | CVE-2025-20749 | Charger out-of-bounds write leading to privilege escalation | Medium | | CVE-2025-20784 | Use of uninitialized variable in display causing disruption | Low | | CVE-2025-20771 | Improper input validation in display | Low |
Law enforcement and data recovery specialists use auth bypasses to bypass lock screens and dump the physical user data partitions (EMMC/UFS chips) for analysis.
Even if the SLA passes, the DA itself (the binary that runs on the SoC to read/write flash) must be signed with MediaTek's private key. DAA ensures that only authorized, unmodified MediaTek agents can execute.
As security patches evolve, the tools to bypass them also update. 1. MTKClient (Open Source Approach) mt6789 auth bypass
The reality is that the MT6789's security is, for all practical purposes, unbroken by public tools. In one vivid account on XDA Forums, a user laments:
The MT6789 implements and DAA (Download Agent Authentication) — stricter than older chips.
The keyword "mt6789 auth bypass" is a perfect example of a modern cybersecurity paradox. On one hand, it's a documented, patched security vulnerability (CVE-2025-20658) that endangers user data. On the other, it's a practical necessity for developers and repair technicians to keep devices alive.
[ Power On ] ──> [ Boot ROM (brom) ] ──> [ Preloader ] ──> [ Little Kernel / LK ] ──> [ Android OS ] The specific vulnerability, tracked as , allows a
The MT6789 chipset is highly prevalent. Common models that require this bypass include: Poco M5, Redmi Note 12 (4G variants) Samsung: Galaxy A24, Galaxy A15 (4G)
MediaTek frequently updates its silicon stepping. Later production runs of the MT6789 chipset may feature patched boot ROM code that completely mitigates the specific overflow vulnerabilities used by older bypass tools.
"I tried shorting all resistors one by one with ground (phone connected to pc with mtk bypass tool). in my case i was unable to found test point so i scratched carefully last wire on pcb below chip A from right corner. i shorted this point to ground and the port was detected and mtk auth bypass was ok. then i flashed device using sp flash tool" .
| Chipset | Vulnerability | Patchable | SLA/DAA Bypass | Notes | |--------------|----------------|-----------|----------------|-------| | MT6580 | Legacy, no auth| N/A | None needed | No SLA | | MT6739 | None (hardened)| Fixed in ROM | No | Secure | | MT6765 (P65) | SLA bypass via USB overflow | Yes (Preloader update) | Partial | Requires specific DA | | | BootROM race condition | No (mask ROM) | Full | Permanent exploit | | MT6833 (D700)| None | N/A | No | Revised BootROM | Even if the SLA passes, the DA itself
This highlights the only true "bypass": an official, cryptographically signed .auth file issued by MediaTek for the specific device. These files are never released publicly and are only accessible to OEMs and authorized service centers.
| Tool | Supports MT6789? | Bypass method | |------|----------------|----------------| | (bkerler) | Partial | Uses BROM patched for older chips; MT6789 requires --stage2 exploit chain | | SP Flash Tool (modified) | No direct bypass | Requires valid DA signed for that exact device | | libmtk (by TheYosh, etc.) | Experimental | Via BROM usb descriptor overflow (patched in newer BROM versions) |
The security flaws in MediaTek chipsets are tracked through the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system. Each CVE gets a unique ID and a detailed description.
The MediaTek MT6789 belongs to the vendor's upgraded . Historically, legacy MediaTek chipsets (V5 and below) fell victim to the famous kamakiri hardware exploit chain. This allowed developers and technicians to send a specific USB payload to crash the silicon’s Boot ROM (BROM), effectively bypassing the mandatory signature verification checks required to flash custom software.