CVE-2023-20784 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
In keyinstall, 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: ALPS07826989; Issue ID: ALPS07826989.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20784 resides within the keyinstall component of Android systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that enables local privilege escalation. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the codebase, specifically affecting the keyinstall module responsible for handling key installation processes. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain key-related operations without validating array or buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The issue is particularly concerning because it requires only system execution privileges to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who have already gained a foothold on the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write conditions as a critical weakness in software systems. When the keyinstall module processes input data, it fails to validate the size or range of data being written to memory buffers, allowing an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical system structures, function pointers, or privilege control mechanisms. The exploitability of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, meaning an attacker can leverage this flaw autonomously once they have system execution privileges, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges from a standard system user to a privileged system-level entity with complete control over the device. The implications extend beyond simple local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete device compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. This flaw particularly affects devices running Android versions where the keyinstall component has not been patched, creating widespread vulnerability across numerous devices and platforms. The lack of user interaction requirement means that automated exploitation tools could readily target this vulnerability, amplifying its potential for large-scale compromise.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-20784 involves implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the keyinstall module and applying the vendor-provided patch identified by patch ID ALPS07826989. Security teams should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap-based memory corruption detection. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068 suggests that attackers may leverage this privilege escalation capability as part of broader attack chains, making comprehensive patch management and monitoring essential for maintaining system integrity.