CVE-2023-20766 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE was assigned by MediaTek and was published on July 4, 2023. It involves a vulnerability in gps that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction. The affected products include various MediaTek processors and the impacted versions are Android 11.0, 12.0, and 13.0.

Understanding CVE-2023-20766

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-20766, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20766?

CVE-2023-20766 is a vulnerability found in gps, which could result in an out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This flaw has the potential to be exploited for local privilege escalation, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20766

The impact of CVE-2023-20766 lies in the ability for a malicious actor to exploit the vulnerability and elevate their privileges locally. This could enable an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources and perform malicious actions on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20766

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20766, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in gps that leads to a possible out-of-bounds write can be exploited by threat actors to escalate their privileges locally. The absence of a bounds check contributes to this security risk, potentially enabling unauthorized access to system resources.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts a wide range of MediaTek processors, including MT6580, MT6735, MT6769, MT6785, and more. The affected versions are Android 11.0, 12.0, and 13.0 running on these processors, opening up the risk of privilege escalation on devices using these configurations.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20766 does not require user interaction, making it more concerning. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in gps to carry out local privilege escalation attacks, gaining elevated access to the affected system without the need for user involvement.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to secure systems against CVE-2023-20766 and prevent potential exploitation, certain steps need to be taken immediately as well as in the long term to enhance overall security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions such as applying patches provided by MediaTek, monitoring system activity for any signs of exploitation, and restricting access to sensitive functions can help mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-20766.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing comprehensive security measures like regular security assessments, conducting security training for personnel, and staying updated on security bulletins can enhance the long-term security resilience of systems against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that affected systems are promptly patched with the necessary security updates released by MediaTek is crucial. Regularly checking for firmware updates and applying them in a timely manner can help address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20766 and bolster the overall security of the systems.