CVE-2023-20804 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was assigned by MediaTek and was published on August 7, 2023. The vulnerability involves a possible out of bounds write in imgsys, potentially leading to local privilege escalation without the need for user interaction. Affected MediaTek products include MT2713, MT6879, MT6895, MT6983, MT8188, MT8195, MT8395, and MT8673 running certain versions of Android and IOT.

Understanding CVE-2023-20804

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-20804, outlining what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20804?

CVE-2023-20804 is a vulnerability in MediaTek's imgsys that could result in an out-of-bounds write scenario. This flaw has the potential to allow a local attacker to escalate their privileges without the need for user interaction, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20804

The impact of CVE-2023-20804 is the potential for local privilege escalation, which could lead to an attacker gaining higher system execution privileges. This could be exploited by malicious actors to carry out further attacks or compromise system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20804

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20804, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in imgsys involves a missing bounds check, which triggers an out-of-bounds write scenario. This flaw enables a local attacker to potentially escalate their privileges within the system, requiring System execution privileges to exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include MediaTek products such as MT2713, MT6879, MT6895, MT6983, MT8188, MT8195, MT8395, and MT8673 running versions Android 12.0, 13.0, and IOT-v23.0 (Yocto 4.0).

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20804 does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to carry out local privilege escalation attacks, potentially compromising system security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20804, it is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation. Implementing both short-term and long-term security measures is essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate steps to mitigate CVE-2023-20804 include applying patches provided by MediaTek promptly. Additionally, limiting access to vulnerable systems and monitoring for any suspicious activities are recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security practices such as regular security assessments, employee training on security best practices, and proactive monitoring for vulnerabilities can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from MediaTek and ensure that all affected systems are patched with the necessary updates to address CVE-2023-20804. Regularly updating systems and implementing security patches is crucial for maintaining a secure environment.