CVE-2023-20659 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-20659, a security vulnerability identified in MediaTek products.

Understanding CVE-2023-20659

CVE-2023-20659 is a security vulnerability discovered in MediaTek products that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-20659?

The CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability exists in the WLAN component of MediaTek products. It is caused by a missing bounds check, which could result in an out-of-bounds write. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges locally on the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20659

The impact of CVE-2023-20659 is concerning as it could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected devices without requiring any user interaction. This could lead to unauthorized access and potential misuse of system resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20659

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is triggered by a missing bounds check in the WLAN component of MediaTek products, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds write. This could be exploited by attackers to escalate privileges locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability impacts various MediaTek products, including MT5221, MT6781, MT6789, and others. Specifically, Android versions 11.0, 12.0, and 13.0, Yocto versions 3.1, 3.3, and 4.0, as well as Linux-4.19 for specific chipsets, are among the affected versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability by leveraging the missing bounds check in the WLAN component of MediaTek products. Through successful exploitation, they could achieve local privilege escalation without user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability, it is essential to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply the provided patch (Patch ID: ALPS07588413) to mitigate the vulnerability in affected MediaTek products.
It is crucial to monitor and restrict system access to prevent unauthorized exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch MediaTek products to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

For organizations relying on affected MediaTek products, timely application of patches and updates is crucial to mitigate the CVE-2023-20659 vulnerability effectively. Regularly monitor security bulletins from MediaTek to stay informed about potential security risks and mitigation strategies.