CVE-2023-20721 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on May 15, 2023, and it pertains to a vulnerability identified by MediaTek in their isp component. The vulnerability could potentially allow an out-of-bounds write due to improper input validation, resulting in a local escalation of privilege without requiring user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-20721

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-20721 is, the impact it poses, the technical details of the vulnerability, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20721?

The vulnerability in the isp component of MediaTek's products could lead to an out-of-bounds write, enabling an attacker to escalate privileges locally. This type of vulnerability is classified as an "Elevation of Privilege" issue.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20721

If exploited, CVE-2023-20721 could potentially allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems without requiring any user interaction. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20721

Here, we will explore the detailed technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the isp component is due to improper input validation, allowing for an out-of-bounds write. This flaw could be exploited by an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following MediaTek products are affected by CVE-2023-20721: MT6879, MT6895, MT6983, MT8195, MT8395, MT8673. The impacted versions include Android 12.0, 13.0, and Iot-Yocto 22.2 (Yocto 4.0).

Exploitation Mechanism

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to locally escalate privileges on the affected MediaTek products without needing any user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the immediate steps that can be taken, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-20721, users and administrators are advised to apply the provided patch ID (ALPS07162155) as soon as possible. This will help prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is recommended to follow best security practices such as regular security audits, keeping systems updated, implementing least privilege access, and monitoring for any suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security bulletins and updates from MediaTek, as well as promptly applying patches for known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20721, is crucial to maintaining the security of the affected systems.