CVE-2023-20695 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published by MediaTek on May 15, 2023, and involves a vulnerability in the preloader that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-20695

This section provides an overview of CVE-2023-20695, highlighting its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20695?

CVE-2023-20695 involves a possible out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the preloader due to a missing bounds check. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges but no user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20695

The impact of CVE-2023-20695 is significant as it could potentially allow attackers to escalate their privileges locally. This type of vulnerability poses a serious security risk, especially when it does not require any user interaction for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20695

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20695, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the preloader is characterized by a missing bounds check, leading to an out-of-bounds write issue. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to elevate their privileges locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts various MediaTek products, including MT6835, MT6880, MT6890, MT6980, MT6990, and several others. The affected versions include Android 13.0 and OpenWrt 19.07 and 21.02.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20695 involves taking advantage of the missing bounds check in the preloader to perform an out-of-bounds write, potentially allowing for a local escalation of privilege.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-20695 requires immediate action to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation. This section outlines steps to take for immediate protection and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-20695, users should apply the provided patches (Patch ID: ALPS07734012 / ALPS07874363 for MT6880, MT6890, MT6980, and MT6990) as soon as possible. It is crucial to ensure that these patches are applied promptly to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to patching the vulnerability, implementing robust security practices such as regular security updates, monitoring for unusual system behavior, and employing secure coding practices can help enhance the overall security posture and reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users of affected systems should regularly check for security bulletins and updates from MediaTek to stay informed about patches and fixes related to CVE-2023-20695. Timely application of security updates is essential to address known vulnerabilities and ensure system security.