CVE-2023-20662 in MT5221
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In wlan, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07560765; Issue ID: ALPS07560765.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20662 resides within the wireless local area network subsystem of an Android-based operating system, specifically affecting the wlan component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to escalate their privileges from a regular user account to system-level access. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system processes wireless network data packets, particularly those involving wireless configuration parameters or network management messages. The integer overflow condition arises during the calculation of buffer sizes or array indices when processing wireless network information elements, creating a scenario where the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when developers fail to properly validate input data or perform adequate boundary checks before performing arithmetic operations that could result in integer overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the wireless networking stack, where the system does not properly sanitize or verify the size parameters of wireless network configuration data. When malformed wireless network management frames or configuration parameters are processed, the integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate insufficient memory buffers or calculate incorrect array indices, leading to memory corruption. The vulnerability specifically affects the wlan service component which handles wireless network configuration and management operations, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The integer overflow occurs during the processing of wireless network information elements where the system attempts to parse and store wireless configuration data, particularly when dealing with large or malformed network management frames. This condition can be exploited by malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the device processes wireless network data or connects to malicious networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root access to the device, allowing them to modify system files, install malicious applications, access all user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The local escalation of privilege aspect means that an attacker does not need remote network access or user interaction to exploit this vulnerability, as it can be triggered through normal wireless network operations. The system execution privileges required for exploitation indicate that the attacker needs to first gain access to a regular user account or application context before being able to leverage this vulnerability for privilege escalation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-190 Integer Overflow or Wraparound, representing classic security flaws that have been documented in numerous other systems and applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the system services and kernel components that manage wireless networking operations.
The patch for CVE-2023-20662 addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper integer overflow checks and input validation mechanisms within the wireless networking subsystem. The fix involves adding bounds checking to ensure that buffer allocations and array indices remain within valid ranges before any memory operations are performed. Security researchers recommend that system administrators and device manufacturers immediately apply the patch ALPS07560765 to protect against exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include regular security updates, network monitoring for suspicious wireless activity, and implementation of network access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious wireless networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and wireless network monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in wireless networking components, particularly in embedded systems where wireless connectivity is essential but security controls may be insufficient. Regular security audits of wireless networking stacks and kernel components are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The fix demonstrates the critical need for developers to implement proper integer overflow protection mechanisms, particularly in security-sensitive components that handle untrusted input data from wireless networks.