CVE-2023-20658 in MT6895
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In isp, 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: ALPS07537393; Issue ID: ALPS07180396.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20658 resides within the isp component of a system, representing a critical out-of-bounds write condition that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system fails to perform proper bounds checking on data processing operations, creating an exploitable scenario where malicious input can cause memory corruption beyond intended buffer limits. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates without requiring user interaction for exploitation, making it highly dangerous in automated attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. When the isp component processes input data, it does not validate whether the incoming data fits within pre-allocated memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability, as the out-of-bounds write may overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it targets components that operate at a privileged level within the system architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker with limited system access could potentially elevate their privileges to system level. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized control over system resources. The patch ID ALPS07537393 and issue ID ALPS07180396 indicate that this vulnerability was addressed through specific firmware or software updates, suggesting it was part of a broader system security framework rather than an isolated component issue.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through system-level attacks. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive system information, modifying critical system files, or establishing persistent access points. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as the memory corruption could also lead to denial-of-service conditions or system crashes, affecting overall system availability and reliability. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the lack of user interaction requirements means that exploitation can occur in environments where users are not actively engaged with potentially malicious content.
Mitigation strategies should include comprehensive input validation mechanisms, memory safety checks, and regular security audits of system components. The recommended approach involves deploying the specific patch referenced by ALPS07537393 and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify similar bounds checking issues in other system components. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and access control policies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's access remains constrained to prevent further system compromise.