CVE-2023-20701 in MT6762
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2023
In widevine, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a logic error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07643270; Issue ID: ALPS07643270.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20701 resides within the widevine component of Android systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that stems from a fundamental logic error in the code implementation. This issue affects the underlying media playback framework that handles digital rights management for protected content, specifically impacting the widevine drm subsystem that manages encryption and decryption processes for premium media content. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain media files or streams that trigger an improper memory access pattern, leading to unauthorized memory modification. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring any user interaction, making it an autonomous exploit capable of being triggered through normal media playback operations or system-level content processing. The logic error occurs during the handling of memory allocation or buffer management within the widevine module, where boundary checks are either missing or incorrectly implemented, allowing for memory corruption that extends beyond intended buffer limits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond typical media processing scenarios, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation that could enable an attacker to gain system-level execution privileges. This escalation occurs because the out-of-bounds write affects critical system components within the widevine framework that operate with elevated permissions, potentially allowing malicious code to modify system memory structures or overwrite critical function pointers. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue indicates that successful exploitation could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire device. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated access rights. The attack surface is particularly broad given that widevine is integral to Android's media processing pipeline and is commonly invoked during standard device operations including streaming services, video playback, and media content management. The vulnerability's persistence across different Android versions and device manufacturers makes it a widespread concern for mobile security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20701 should prioritize immediate patch deployment as provided in the ALPS07643270 update, which specifically addresses the logic error in the widevine implementation. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for abnormal memory access patterns or unexpected privilege escalation attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves strengthening boundary checks and implementing proper input validation within the widevine module's memory handling routines, addressing the root cause of the logic error that enables the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent unauthorized memory modifications, particularly in system-level processes. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787 which describes out-of-bounds write conditions, and represents a critical security gap that requires immediate remediation to maintain device integrity and prevent unauthorized system access. The vulnerability's severity classification as a local privilege escalation with system execution privileges underscores the importance of proactive patch management and continuous security monitoring to prevent exploitation in real-world scenarios.