CVE-2023-20675 in MT5221
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In wlan, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07588569; Issue ID: ALPS07588569.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20675 resides within the wireless local area network component of Android systems, specifically affecting the wlan subsystem. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the system processes wireless network data without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that could allow unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability requires system-level execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must already possess elevated access to leverage this weakness effectively. Unlike many vulnerabilities that require user interaction, this flaw can be exploited autonomously, making it particularly concerning for security professionals. The patch ID ALPS07588569 and corresponding issue ID ALPS07588569 reference the specific implementation details within the Android Linux kernel's wireless subsystem where this vulnerability was identified.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-129, which encompasses improper validation of array indices or other forms of bounds checking failures. The flaw occurs when the wlan driver processes incoming wireless frames without validating the length or boundaries of the data structures being manipulated. This allows an attacker with system-level privileges to craft malicious wireless packets that trigger memory access violations, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents. The out-of-bounds read operation can reveal confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations, including cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other privileged data that should remain protected. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that successful exploitation could lead to the exposure of system secrets that would normally be restricted to authorized processes. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which focuses on data from local system storage, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage for privilege escalation activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-20675 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within wireless network environments. An attacker who has already gained system-level access could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from kernel memory, potentially including credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential information that could be used for further compromise. The autonomous exploitation nature of this vulnerability means that it could be triggered without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless networks are continuously monitored or where automated systems process wireless data. The vulnerability's presence in the wlan subsystem suggests that it could affect mobile devices, tablets, and other wireless-enabled systems where the kernel's wireless processing capabilities are utilized. Security analysts should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to wireless infrastructure components and could potentially be exploited in targeted attacks against mobile devices or wireless access points. The patch implementation referenced by ALPS07588569 should be prioritized for deployment across affected systems to prevent unauthorized information disclosure and maintain the integrity of wireless network communications.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch associated with ALPS07588569. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure that all affected devices receive the necessary updates to address the bounds checking failure in the wlan subsystem. System administrators should also implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual wireless network activity patterns that might indicate malicious packet crafting. Additionally, network segmentation strategies should be considered to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's requirement for system execution privileges means that proper access controls and privilege management should be maintained to prevent unauthorized escalation to system level. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential bounds checking issues within the wireless subsystem or related kernel components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in kernel-level code, particularly within wireless communication subsystems where malicious data processing could have far-reaching consequences for network security and data integrity.