CVE-2023-32869 in MT6761
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In display drm, 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: ALPS07363632; Issue ID: ALPS07363689.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32869 resides within the display drm subsystem of a mobile operating system, specifically affecting the graphics rendering pipeline. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, where the system fails to validate array indices before performing memory operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists in the kernel-level graphics driver component responsible for managing display rendering operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the system level with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the display drm driver code. When processing graphics commands or display-related data structures, the system does not properly validate the size or range of input parameters before writing to memory locations. This allows an attacker to craft malicious graphics commands that cause the driver to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The absence of proper input validation creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to overwrite critical system structures or function pointers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only system execution privileges to exploit, meaning that any process running with system-level permissions could potentially leverage this flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32869 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation to the highest system level. This means that an attacker who gains access to a system with basic user privileges could potentially elevate their access to root or system-level execution. The exploitability of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically through normal system operations or malicious applications. The patch ID ALPS07363632 and Issue ID ALPS07363689 indicate that this vulnerability was addressed in a specific software update for Android-based systems, with the fix implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the drm display subsystem.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation opportunities, and T1547.001, which covers registry run keys and startup folder. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how kernel-level flaws can be exploited to gain complete system control without requiring user interaction or additional attack vectors. Organizations should prioritize patching systems affected by this vulnerability, as the combination of local privilege escalation potential and lack of user interaction requirements makes it an attractive target for both malicious actors and automated exploit frameworks. The remediation process requires updating the system firmware or kernel components to include proper bounds checking mechanisms that prevent the out-of-bounds write condition from occurring during graphics processing operations.