CVE-2023-20690 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-20690, detailing information about the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-20690

CVE-2023-20690 refers to a vulnerability found in wlan firmware that could potentially result in a system crash due to an integer overflow. This vulnerability has the potential to lead to remote denial of service attacks without the need for additional execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not required for exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-20690?

The CVE-2023-20690 vulnerability found in wlan firmware can trigger a system crash through an integer overflow, opening the door for possible remote denial of service attacks. This could have significant implications for affected systems and devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20690

The impact of CVE-2023-20690 can be severe, potentially resulting in remote denial of service attacks on systems running the affected MediaTek products and versions. It highlights the critical importance of addressing and mitigating this vulnerability promptly to safeguard against potential exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20690

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20690, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism, can assist in developing effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an integer overflow within wlan firmware, which, when exploited, can lead to system crashes and remote denial of service attacks. The issue is identified by Patch ID: ALPS07664735 and Issue ID: ALPS07664735.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts various MediaTek products, including MT6739, MT8167, MT8168, MT8321, MT8365, MT8385, MT8666, MT8765, and MT8788. Specifically, systems running Android 11.0, 12.0, and IOT-v23.0 (Yocto 4.0) are vulnerable to this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit does not require user interaction, and through the integer overflow within the wlan firmware, malicious actors can trigger system crashes and launch remote denial of service attacks on affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20690, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching and updates play a crucial role in enhancing system security and resilience.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upon discovering CVE-2023-20690, organizations should promptly apply relevant patches or updates provided by MediaTek to address the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network activity for any signs of exploitation is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust security measures, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities can help organizations bolster their overall security posture and mitigate risks in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates released by MediaTek for the affected products and versions is essential to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20690. Timely patch management can significantly reduce the exposure to potential threats and attacks.