CVE-2023-20811 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-20811, which was assigned by MediaTek and published on August 7, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-20811

CVE-2023-20811 is a vulnerability found in IOMMU, where an out-of-bounds write can occur due to a missing bounds check. This flaw could potentially enable a local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-20811?

CVE-2023-20811 is a security vulnerability that allows for an out-of-bounds write in IOMMU, leading to a possible local escalation of privilege on the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20811

The impact of CVE-2023-20811 could result in unauthorized users gaining elevated privileges on the affected systems without the need for user interaction, potentially leading to further exploitation and compromise of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20811

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-20811 stems from a missing bounds check in IOMMU, allowing for an out-of-bounds write operation that can be exploited for local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts a wide range of MediaTek products, including MT5221, MT5583, MT5691, and many others. Specifically, devices running Android 10.0 and 11.0, as well as Linux 4.19, are affected by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20811 does not require user interaction. By taking advantage of the out-of-bounds write in IOMMU, malicious actors can potentially escalate their privileges locally on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20811, immediate steps should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately after the disclosure of CVE-2023-20811, it is crucial to assess the impact on affected systems, restrict access to vulnerable components, and monitor for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall system security, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, conduct thorough code reviews, implement secure coding practices, and educate employees on best security practices.

Patching and Updates

It is recommended to apply the provided patch (Patch ID: DTV03692061; Issue ID: DTV03692061) from MediaTek to address the vulnerability in IOMMU and ensure the affected systems are protected against potential exploitation.