CVE-2023-20788 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-20788 was published by MediaTek on August 7, 2023. It involves a potential use after free vulnerability in the thermal component, caused by a race condition. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a local escalation of privilege, requiring system execution privileges without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-20788

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-20788, including what it is, its impact, technical description, affected systems, and how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-20788?

CVE-2023-20788 entails a use after free vulnerability in the thermal component of certain MediaTek devices, leading to a local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20788

The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20788

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20788, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-20788 is specifically related to a race condition in the thermal component, which can result in a use after free scenario, ultimately leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts various MediaTek products including MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6771, MT6779, MT6781, MT6785, MT6833, MT6853, MT6873, MT6877, MT6883, MT8167, MT8167S, MT8168, MT8321, MT8362A, and MT8365. The affected versions include Android 12.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20788 does not require user interaction, making it a significant concern for the security of the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20788, it is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using the affected MediaTek devices should apply the provided patch ID: ALPS07648734 to address the vulnerability promptly.
Implement access controls and privilege management to reduce the risk of privilege escalation attacks.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware on devices to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security gaps proactively.
Educate users about best practices for device security and encourage strong password management and safe browsing habits.

Patching and Updates

MediaTek has released a security bulletin in August 2023 detailing the vulnerability and providing information on how to address it. It is imperative for affected users and organizations to apply the patch and follow the recommended security measures to protect their systems from exploitation.