CVE-2023-20697 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2023
In keyinstall, 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: ALPS07589148; Issue ID: ALPS07589148.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20697 resides within the keyinstall component of a system, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system processes certain data structures without implementing proper boundary checks, creating an exploitable scenario where memory access occurs beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking issue, which directly impacts the system's memory safety mechanisms and creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the processing of input data within keyinstall functionality, where the absence of proper validation allows malicious data to trigger memory access violations. When the system attempts to read data beyond its intended boundaries, it can potentially expose sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system-level access, and specifically targets the execution of code with system execution privileges as required for exploitation. The flaw does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically during normal system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-20697 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers with local system privileges to potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected. This includes access to credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information that may be stored in memory during normal system operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only system execution privileges, which may be obtained through various means including legitimate administrative access or other pre-existing vulnerabilities. The patch identifier ALPS07589148 specifically addresses this issue by implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the keyinstall component, ensuring that all memory accesses remain within allocated buffer boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application as referenced in the patch ID ALPS07589148, which provides the necessary code modifications to implement proper bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize deployment of this patch across all affected systems, particularly those running the keyinstall component. Additional protective measures include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention techniques that can help mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and bounds checking in system components, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for robust defensive programming practices. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of similar flaws within their systems and implement continuous monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts that may exploit this or related vulnerabilities.