CVE-2023-20660 in MT5221
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In wlan, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07588383; Issue ID: ALPS07588383.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20660 resides within the wireless local area network subsystem of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the wlan component. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper handling of integer values during wireless communication processing. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when an integer overflow takes place during the processing of wireless frames or packets. Such a scenario typically arises when the system attempts to calculate buffer sizes or array indices using integer arithmetic that exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type, leading to unexpected behavior in memory access patterns.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the realm of software security flaws categorized under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions. When an integer overflow occurs in wireless communication processing, the system may attempt to access memory locations that are outside the bounds of allocated buffers or data structures. This condition can be exploited to read sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing confidential data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration details. The exploitation requires system execution privileges, indicating that an attacker must already have elevated access to the device, though this requirement does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for further exploitation within the wireless subsystem. An attacker with system-level privileges could leverage this out-of-bounds read to extract sensitive information that might reveal system internals, communication protocols, or security mechanisms. The fact that no user interaction is required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it can be triggered automatically during normal wireless operations such as connecting to networks, receiving wireless frames, or processing incoming data packets. The vulnerability affects the core wireless functionality of the device, potentially compromising the security of all wireless communications and creating opportunities for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper integer overflow detection and handling mechanisms within the wireless subsystem. The patch ALPS07588383 addresses this issue by introducing bounds checking and proper integer arithmetic validation in the wireless frame processing code. Security practitioners should ensure that all wireless communication components undergo thorough code review for similar integer overflow conditions, particularly in areas where buffer calculations, array indexing, or packet size determinations occur. The implementation should follow secure coding practices as recommended by the CERT Secure Coding Standards, specifically addressing the prevention of integer overflows in memory management operations. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment and monitor for similar vulnerabilities in related wireless subsystem components to prevent escalation of attacks that could compromise wireless security protocols and overall system integrity.