CVE-2023-20659 in MT5221
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In wlan, 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: ALPS07588413; Issue ID: ALPS07588413.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20659 resides within the wireless local area network component of Android-based systems, specifically affecting the wlan module. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to escalate their privileges from a regular user to system level execution rights. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, which occurs when the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries for a specific buffer or array. This particular issue is classified under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can result in arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The absence of proper bounds checking in the wlan module's memory management creates an exploitable condition where malicious data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executing unintended code sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with system-level execution capabilities without requiring any user interaction or authentication. This makes the exploit particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the wlan module processes network data or handles wireless communication protocols. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions where the wlan component has not been patched, typically those utilizing kernel versions that contain the specific memory handling flaw. Attackers could leverage this condition to execute malicious code with the highest system privileges, potentially gaining complete control over device functions including network access, data manipulation, and system configuration changes. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the exploitability factor, as the vulnerability can be triggered through normal wireless network operations without any active user participation.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the privilege escalation category where adversaries can leverage system-level weaknesses to gain elevated access rights. The patch ID ALPS07588413 references the specific fix implemented by the device manufacturer to address this memory management issue, which typically involves adding proper bounds checking mechanisms and validating input data before memory operations. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch across all affected devices, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in security-critical environments. The mitigation strategy involves not only deploying the vendor-provided patch but also implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the broader implications of such vulnerabilities in wireless communication systems and their potential for widespread device compromise.