CVE-2023-20843 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE entry details a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20843, which was published on September 4, 2023, by MediaTek. The vulnerability involves a possible out-of-bounds read in imgsys_cmdq, potentially leading to local information disclosure. This issue requires system execution privileges and user interaction for exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2023-20843

This section aims to provide a deeper understanding of the CVE-2023-20843 vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20843?

CVE-2023-20843 refers to a security vulnerability found in imgsys_cmdq, where an out-of-bounds read occurs due to missing valid range checking. This flaw could be exploited to disclose local information, requiring system execution privileges and user interaction for successful exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20843

The impact of CVE-2023-20843 is the potential disclosure of local information by an attacker with system execution privileges. This could pose significant risks to the confidentiality of sensitive data stored on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20843

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20843, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in imgsys_cmdq is characterized by an out-of-bounds read, which occurs due to the absence of proper valid range checking. This flaw opens up the possibility of leaking local information, emphasizing the importance of addressing it promptly.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts several MediaTek products, including MT6895, MT6897, MT6983, MT8188, MT8195, MT8395, and MT8781. The affected versions encompass Android 11.0 and 12.0, Linux 6.1, IOT-v23.0, and Yocto 4.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20843 requires system execution privileges and user interaction. By leveraging the out-of-bounds read in imgsys_cmdq, threat actors could potentially access privileged information stored on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-20843, it is crucial to enact mitigation strategies and adopt preventive measures to safeguard systems against potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include applying patches provided by MediaTek, specifically Patch ID ALPS07340119, to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and monitor system activities for any signs of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security posture, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, implement secure coding practices, and educate users about potential risks associated with information disclosure vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating systems and applying security patches released by vendors is paramount in mitigating the risk posed by CVE-2023-20843. Staying informed about security advisories and promptly addressing known vulnerabilities can help prevent exploitation and secure sensitive information from disclosure.