CVE-2023-20611 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-20611, which was assigned by MediaTek and published on February 6, 2023. The vulnerability involves a possible use after free in the gpu due to a race condition, potentially leading to local escalation of privilege. User interaction is not required for exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2023-20611

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-20611, outlining its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20611?

CVE-2023-20611 is a vulnerability identified in the gpu component that may result in a use after free scenario due to a race condition. This security flaw could be exploited by an attacker to achieve local escalation of privilege on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20611

The impact of CVE-2023-20611 lies in the potential for threat actors to exploit the vulnerability without the need for user interaction. By leveraging this weakness, malicious actors could elevate their privileges on the system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20611

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20611, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the gpu component arises from a race condition, leading to a use after free scenario. This flaw could be leveraged by attackers to escalate their privileges on the local system.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2023-20611 impacts a range of MediaTek products, including MT6580, MT6731, MT6735, MT6737, and various others. The affected versions include Android 12.0 and 13.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-20611 could be exploited by threat actors to execute a local escalation of privilege attack, requiring System execution privileges to carry out the exploit.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-20611, immediate steps need to be taken, coupled with long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators and users should apply the provided patch ID (ALPS07588678) to mitigate the vulnerability. It is crucial to prioritize the patching process to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security audits, implementing the principle of least privilege, and maintaining updated security protocols, can enhance overall system security and resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security bulletins and updates from MediaTek to stay informed about patches addressing CVE-2023-20611. Timely application of patches is vital to ensure system integrity and protect against potential security risks.