CVE-2023-20691 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on July 4, 2023, by MediaTek. It highlights a vulnerability in wlan firmware that could result in a system crash due to an integer overflow. The exploit may lead to remote denial of service without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-20691

This section will cover what CVE-2023-20691 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20691?

CVE-2023-20691 refers to a flaw in MediaTek's wlan firmware that may trigger an integer overflow, potentially causing a system crash. This vulnerability could be exploited remotely to initiate a denial of service attack without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20691

The impact of CVE-2023-20691 is significant as it exposes devices using MediaTek processors, such as MT6739, MT8167, MT8321, MT8365, MT8385, MT8666, MT8765, and MT8788, to the risk of a remote denial of service attack.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20691

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20691 is crucial to comprehensively address and mitigate the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an integer overflow in MediaTek's wlan firmware, potentially leading to a system crash and enabling a remote denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Devices utilizing MediaTek processors, including MT6739, MT8167, MT8321, MT8365, MT8385, MT8666, MT8765, and MT8788, running Android 11.0, 12.0, or IOT-v23.0 (Yocto 4.0) are impacted by CVE-2023-20691.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it easier for threat actors to remotely trigger a denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-20691 requires immediate action to mitigate the potential risks and secure affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply the provided patch ID ALPS07664731 or refer to MediaTek's security bulletin for remediation steps.
Ensure devices running affected MediaTek processors are updated with the latest firmware and security patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security protocols, staying informed about vulnerabilities, and conducting regular security audits can enhance overall system resilience against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates and security advisories from MediaTek to address known vulnerabilities and ensure the protection of devices against potential exploits.