CVE-2023-20737 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was assigned by MediaTek and was published on June 6, 2023. The vulnerability involves a possible use-after-free issue in vcu due to improper locking. This could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction. Affected systems include a range of MediaTek products running specific versions mentioned below.

Understanding CVE-2023-20737

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-20737 entails, the impact it poses, the technical details, and how to mitigate and prevent any potential exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-20737?

CVE-2023-20737 is a vulnerability identified in the vcu component that could result in a local escalation of privilege on affected systems. The issue stems from improper locking, leading to a possible use-after-free scenario.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20737

The impact of CVE-2023-20737 is significant as it could allow malicious actors to escalate their privileges locally on the system. This poses a serious security risk, especially when System execution privileges are obtained without the need for user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20737

In this section, we will explore the specific technical details of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-20737 is categorized as an "Elevation of Privilege" issue. It arises from a use-after-free scenario in the vcu component due to improper locking mechanisms, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts a range of MediaTek products, including MT6768, MT6769, MT6779, MT6781, MT6785, MT6789, MT6833, and more. Specifically, systems running Android 12.0, 13.0, Yocto 4.0, Iot-Yocto 22.2 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20737 does not require user interaction, making it a critical security concern. By leveraging the use-after-free issue in vcu with improper locking, attackers could potentially escalate their privileges locally on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the risks associated with CVE-2023-20737, immediate steps should be taken to reduce the likelihood of exploitation. Long-term security practices and timely patching are essential for protecting vulnerable systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply the provided patch (Patch ID: ALPS07645149; Issue ID: ALPS07645167) promptly to mitigate the CVE-2023-20737 vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should monitor security advisories and update systems accordingly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security audits, proper access controls, and security training for employees, can enhance overall system security and resilience against potential threats like CVE-2023-20737.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware updates is critical for addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20737. Regularly checking for vendor security bulletins and applying patches promptly can help protect against exploitation.