CVE-2023-20818 in MT6580
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
In wlan service, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS07460540; Issue ID: ALPS07460540.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20818 resides within the wlan service component of an operating system, specifically affecting Android-based platforms. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that emerges from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the wlan service processes certain malformed input data without proper bounds checking, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such a condition typically arises when developers fail to validate the size or content of incoming data before processing it, leaving the system susceptible to memory corruption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters within the wireless networking service. When the wlan service receives specific network management messages or configuration data, it fails to properly verify the length or structure of the received data before attempting to access memory locations. This lack of input sanitization creates a predictable memory access pattern that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the wireless service framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to extract sensitive information from system memory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and data integrity. An attacker with local access to a device can exploit this condition to disclose sensitive information stored in system memory, potentially including network credentials, device identifiers, or other confidential data. The requirement for System execution privileges indicates that exploitation can occur from a privileged context, though the vulnerability does not necessitate user interaction for successful exploitation. This characteristic makes the flaw particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically during normal system operation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables an attacker to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive system information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially be used for further attacks or to facilitate more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The remediation for CVE-2023-20818 involves applying the patch identified as ALPS07460540, which addresses the root cause of the input validation failure. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize deployment of this update across affected platforms to prevent exploitation. The patch likely implements proper bounds checking mechanisms and input validation routines that ensure all received data is properly verified before memory access operations occur. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surface and reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation practices and proper memory management in kernel-level services, particularly those handling network communications where malicious data injection is a common attack vector.