CVE-2023-20806 in MT2713
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
In hcp, 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: ALPS07340433; Issue ID: ALPS07537437.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20806 resides within the hcp component of a system, presenting a critical out-of-bounds write condition that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system processes data without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious actors to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local privilege escalation, requiring only system execution privileges to exploit, and does not necessitate user interaction for successful compromise. The absence of proper bounds checking creates a pathway for attackers to potentially overwrite critical system memory regions, leading to arbitrary code execution and elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security flaws categorized under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in software applications. This specific weakness allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow, particularly in kernel or system-level components where hcp operates. The out-of-bounds write condition typically occurs when array indices or buffer sizes are not properly validated before data operations, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that exceed intended memory boundaries. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically through system processes or scheduled tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-20806 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in memory safety mechanisms that could compromise entire system integrity. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows local attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional authentication or user interaction, effectively undermining the system's access control mechanisms. The patch ID ALPS07340433 and issue ID ALPS07537437 indicate this vulnerability was addressed through specific firmware or software updates, emphasizing the severity of the flaw within the Android platform ecosystem. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch ALPS07340433, which addresses the root cause through proper bounds checking implementation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected hcp component across the network infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patch to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations while monitoring for any regression issues. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious system behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual privilege escalation events or memory access anomalies that align with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics.