CVE-2023-20680 in MT6779
Summary
by MITRE • 04/06/2023
In adsp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07664785; Issue ID: ALPS07664785.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20680 resides within the adsp component of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the Android platform. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the system's audio data processing subsystem. The adsp component is responsible for handling audio processing tasks and managing audio data flow between various system components and hardware peripherals. When improperly validated input data is processed by this subsystem, it creates an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities that could result in privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the adsp module fails to properly validate the size and boundaries of incoming audio data buffers. This flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially overwriting critical system structures or executable code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only system execution privileges to exploit, meaning that an attacker with minimal access could leverage this flaw to gain higher privileges within the system. According to the CWE classification system, this vulnerability maps to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is categorized under the broader weakness of improper validation of bounds of a buffer. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates a pathway for local privilege escalation that could ultimately allow attackers to gain full system control. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be triggered automatically without any user involvement or suspicious activity that might alert system administrators. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the likelihood of detection. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The patch ID ALPS07664785 specifically addresses this issue by implementing proper input validation mechanisms and boundary checks within the adsp subsystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20680 should prioritize the immediate application of the vendor-provided patch, which includes enhanced input validation routines and memory boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as runtime monitoring of audio processing components, memory protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments of the adsp subsystem. Organizations should consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous behavior patterns in audio processing modules, as well as implementing principle of least privilege configurations to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in system components that handle untrusted data, particularly those with elevated privileges, and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.