Unpatchable MediaTek Chip Flaw Could Risk Solana Wallets on Android Phones

• Flaw Location: The vulnerability resides in the boot ROM of the Dimensity 7300 (MT6878) chip, making it impossible to patch through software updates.

• Attack Method: Researchers used timed electromagnetic fault injection to bypass security and achieve highest privilege levels during device startup.

• Crypto Impact: With over $2.17 billion stolen in crypto hacks in 2025 per Chainalysis data, this hardware weakness heightens risks for mobile wallet users.

Discover the unpatchable MediaTek Dimensity 7300 security flaw threatening Android crypto users. Learn risks, implications, and protection strategies for secure self-custody. Stay safe—upgrade to hardware wallets today.

What is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Security Flaw?

The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 security flaw is a permanent vulnerability in the boot ROM of the MT6878 chip, used in various Android smartphones including the Solana Seeker. Discovered by Ledger’s Donjon research team, it enables attackers to exploit electromagnetic fault injection during the boot process, granting EL3-level access—the highest privilege in ARM architecture. This hardware-level issue cannot be resolved via software patches, posing ongoing risks to device security and cryptocurrency storage.

How Does the Dimensity 7300 Flaw Affect Crypto Users?

The Dimensity 7300 flaw directly endangers cryptocurrency users by allowing potential compromise of private keys stored on affected devices. Ledger’s Donjon team demonstrated that attackers could achieve full control in lab settings within minutes, with success rates of 0.1% to 1% per attempt using electromagnetic pulses timed to the boot sequence. According to a Chainalysis report from July 2025, crypto thefts have already surpassed $2.17 billion this year, outpacing all of 2024, primarily through phishing and malware—methods amplified by hardware vulnerabilities like this one.

Physical attacks, though less common than online threats, represent a growing concern. The Donjon researchers noted that from malware installations to zero-click exploits by state actors, no software safeguards can fully mitigate this boot ROM weakness. For crypto holders, this underscores the fragility of software wallets on compromised hardware, where private keys could be extracted, leading to irreversible fund losses.

Ledger, a leader in hardware security solutions, highlighted in their report that smartphones’ inherent risk of loss or theft necessitates robust protections. Expert analysis from the Donjon team emphasizes that secure elements—specialized chips designed to resist fault injections—are vital for self-custody of digital assets. MediaTek, the chip’s manufacturer, acknowledged the issue but classified electromagnetic fault injection as outside the scope for consumer-grade products, recommending enhanced countermeasures for high-security applications like crypto wallets.

Ledger’s fault injection setup. Source: Ledger

The Dimensity 7300 powers devices from multiple brands, amplifying the flaw’s reach across the Android ecosystem. While most crypto attacks remain digital, this discovery reveals a tangible hardware vector that could evolve with advancing techniques. Security experts, including those from Ledger, stress that users managing significant assets should prioritize offline storage to avoid such exploits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 security flaw be fixed on my Android phone?

The flaw cannot be patched because it is embedded in the chip’s boot ROM, a permanent part of the hardware. Ledger’s research confirms no software updates can address it, advising users to rely on secure elements or hardware wallets for crypto protection against such vulnerabilities.

Is it safe to use a software wallet on a phone with the Dimensity 7300 chip?

Software wallets on affected devices face elevated risks from hardware attacks like electromagnetic fault injection, potentially exposing private keys. For optimal security, especially with voice-activated queries on the go, opt for cold storage solutions that keep keys offline, as recommended by security firm Ledger in their 2025 analysis.

Key Takeaways

• Unpatchable Nature: The boot ROM flaw in MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 ensures the vulnerability persists indefinitely, regardless of OS updates.
• Attack Feasibility: Electromagnetic pulses during boot can grant full device control, with lab tests showing success in under 10 minutes on average.
• Crypto Protection: Shift to hardware wallets for self-custody to safeguard against both digital and physical threats in the evolving 2025 landscape.

Conclusion

The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 security flaw reveals a stark hardware vulnerability impacting Android devices and crypto users worldwide, as detailed in Ledger’s Donjon report. With crypto thefts hitting record highs in 2025 according to Chainalysis, this underscores the limitations of mobile security for digital assets. Moving forward, adopting secure elements and hardware solutions will be crucial for protecting private keys—empower your portfolio by exploring offline storage options today.