CVE-2023-20748 in MT6879
Summary
by MITRE • 07/04/2023
In display, 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: ALPS07536951; Issue ID: ALPS07536951.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20748 resides within the display subsystem of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the Android platform. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate input data before processing display-related operations. The flaw represents a classic buffer overread vulnerability where the application attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that an attacker with elevated privileges can leverage this flaw to extract confidential information from the device's memory space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the display rendering pipeline, where the system processes graphical data without adequate validation of array indices or buffer limits. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is classified as a weakness that allows attackers to access memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, where the attacker already possesses elevated privileges, making the information disclosure more severe than typical user-level vulnerabilities. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that an attacker with system-level access can trigger the vulnerability automatically without requiring any additional social engineering or user engagement tactics.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially expose sensitive system data, including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information stored in memory. When an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they can read data from adjacent memory locations that may contain other processes' data, system configuration details, or user credentials. This information disclosure could enable further attacks such as privilege escalation, credential theft, or the development of more sophisticated exploits targeting other system components. The vulnerability's presence in the display subsystem also suggests potential impacts on the integrity of visual data processing, which could affect the reliability and security of graphical user interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20748 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the display subsystem and ensuring that all array accesses are validated before execution. System administrators should apply the vendor-provided patch ALPS07536951 immediately, as this represents the official fix for the identified vulnerability. The patch addresses the missing bounds check by implementing additional validation logic that ensures all display-related memory accesses remain within proper boundaries. Security teams should also consider monitoring system logs for any unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential similar issues in related subsystems and ensure that proper input validation is implemented across all system components handling user or system data. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter indicates that exploitation could potentially enable command execution capabilities if combined with other vulnerabilities, making proactive remediation essential for maintaining overall system security posture.