CVE-2023-20651 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record, assigned by MediaTek, was published on March 7, 2023. It involves a possible out-of-bounds read vulnerability in apu, potentially leading to local information disclosure. System execution privileges are required for exploitation, and no user interaction is needed. The patch ID for this issue is ALPS07629576, with an associated Issue ID of ALPS07629576.

Understanding CVE-2023-20651

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-20651 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20651?

CVE-2023-20651 is a security vulnerability discovered in MediaTek products, particularly affecting devices running Android 12.0 and 13.0. It involves an out-of-bounds read issue in apu, which can potentially result in local information disclosure without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20651

The impact of CVE-2023-20651 is significant as it can allow an attacker to gain access to sensitive information stored on the affected device. This information disclosure vulnerability poses a threat to user privacy and data security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20651

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20651, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in apu is a result of a missing bounds check, leading to an out-of-bounds read issue. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the affected device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor MediaTek, Inc. has identified several products affected by CVE-2023-20651, including MT6853, MT6853T, MT6875, MT6877, MT6879, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6891, MT6893, MT6895, MT6983, and MT8195Z. The vulnerability impacts devices running Android 12.0 and 13.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20651, an attacker would require system execution privileges but would not need any user interaction. By leveraging the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in apu, an attacker could potentially disclose sensitive information stored on the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-20651 requires immediate action to reduce the risk of exploitation and protect the affected systems and devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations should apply the provided patch (Patch ID: ALPS07629576) as soon as possible to address the vulnerability in apu and prevent potential information disclosure attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regularly updating software and systems, conducting security audits, and monitoring for suspicious activities, can help enhance overall cybersecurity posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Vendor MediaTek, Inc. has released patches to address CVE-2023-20651. Users are strongly advised to install these patches promptly to safeguard their devices from exploitation and potential information disclosure risks.