CVE-2023-20749 in MT6789
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2023
In swpm, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07780926; Issue ID: ALPS07780926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20749 resides within the swpm component, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This particular weakness manifests when the software fails to properly verify array boundaries during memory operations, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the swpm module handles user-supplied data without adequate boundary checks, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes that occur when an application writes to memory beyond the boundaries of a buffer. This particular vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it operates at a privileged level within the operating system architecture. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically without any human intervention, potentially enabling automated attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker who has already gained access to a system to elevate their privileges to the system level. The implications extend beyond simple data corruption as the out-of-bounds write could potentially overwrite critical system structures, function pointers, or control data, leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is significant since the vulnerability can be exploited by any local user who can execute code within the swpm environment, potentially compromising the entire system.
The patch ID ALPS07780926 specifically addresses this vulnerability through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within the swpm module. This remediation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly focusing on the use of system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights. Security practitioners should prioritize this patch deployment across all affected systems, as the vulnerability's characteristics make it a high-priority target for exploitation by both malicious actors and automated attack frameworks. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited in environments where automated scanning tools or malware may be present, increasing the overall risk profile significantly. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all system components are updated to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation attacks.