CVE-2023-20754 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 07/04/2023
In keyinstall, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07563028; Issue ID: ALPS07588343.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20754 resides within the keyinstall component of an Android-based system, representing a critical integer overflow condition that can result in out-of-bounds write operations. This flaw manifests during the processing of integer values that exceed their allocated memory boundaries, creating a scenario where malicious code can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the keyinstall functionality handles user input or system data that undergoes integer arithmetic operations without proper overflow validation. The integer overflow occurs when an application performs mathematical operations on signed integers that exceed the maximum representable value for the given data type, causing the value to wrap around to a negative or unexpected positive number. This memory corruption vulnerability exists within the system's privilege management framework and can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation, requiring only system execution privileges to be effective. The flaw does not necessitate user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically through system processes or service calls that invoke the vulnerable code path. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and the CWE-190 category which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the system's privileged context, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate system files, modify security settings, or establish persistent access mechanisms. The issue affects devices where the keyinstall service processes key-related data structures and performs operations that may involve integer calculations, such as array indexing, buffer size calculations, or memory allocation computations. When the integer overflow occurs, it can cause the system to write data beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical system variables, function pointers, or other sensitive memory locations that control the execution flow. The patch identified as ALPS07563028 specifically addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation within the keyinstall component. The associated issue ID ALPS07588343 likely represents the internal tracking number for the development team's resolution efforts, indicating that the fix involves strengthening input validation mechanisms and ensuring that integer operations are properly bounded before being used in memory allocation or array indexing operations. The operational impact of this vulnerability means that any device running an affected version of the system software is potentially at risk of privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker with local access can leverage the integer overflow to execute code with system-level privileges. This creates a significant security risk for mobile devices, IoT systems, or embedded platforms where such services are present, as the escalation can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer handling in system-level code and aligns with industry best practices outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing integer overflows and memory corruption vulnerabilities. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited silently in the background without any visible user prompts or warnings, allowing attackers to establish persistent access or cause damage without detection. Security professionals should prioritize patching systems affected by CVE-2023-20754 as it represents a direct pathway for local privilege escalation that can undermine the entire security posture of affected devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and integer arithmetic safety in system-level software development, particularly in components that handle sensitive data processing and privilege management operations.