CVE-2023-20654 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In keyinstall, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07628168; Issue ID: ALPS07589148.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20654 resides within the keyinstall component of a system, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This particular vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly verify array boundaries during data processing operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to write data beyond the allocated memory space. The flaw specifically affects the keyinstall functionality which likely handles keyboard or input device configuration processes, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which occurs when a program writes data past the end of a buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations. The absence of proper bounds checking in the keyinstall module means that malicious input can trigger memory corruption that may be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This particular implementation flaw suggests that the system does not adequately validate the size or content of input data before processing, allowing for buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited through carefully crafted inputs.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction, meaning that an attacker with limited access could potentially elevate their privileges to system level. The requirement for System execution privileges to exploit this vulnerability indicates that the attack vector involves leveraging existing system-level processes or services that have elevated permissions. The patch ID ALPS07628168 and issue ID ALPS07589148 suggest this vulnerability was identified and addressed within a specific firmware or software ecosystem, likely related to mobile or embedded systems where keyboard input handling is critical. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the need for social engineering or additional attack vectors.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting system-level processes that handle input device management. Attackers could potentially leverage this condition to gain root or administrator access to affected systems, enabling them to execute malicious code, modify system files, or establish persistent access. The nature of the keyinstall component suggests this vulnerability might be particularly concerning in environments where keyboard input is heavily utilized, such as mobile devices, embedded systems, or industrial control systems. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to address this vulnerability, as the combination of local execution requirements and privilege escalation potential makes it a high-priority security concern.
Mitigation strategies should include deploying the vendor-provided patch ALPS07628168 as a priority, implementing input validation controls to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions, and conducting thorough code reviews of input handling mechanisms within system components. Network segmentation and privilege separation techniques can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while monitoring for unusual system behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts should be implemented. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue also warrants review of system access controls and user permission models to ensure that unnecessary system-level privileges are not granted to standard users or processes.