CVE-2025-20668 in MT6878
Summary
by MITRE • 05/05/2025
In scp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09625562; Issue ID: MSV-3027.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20668 resides within the scp (secure copy) utility, a fundamental component of Unix-like operating systems used for secure file transfers between hosts. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, occurring when the scp utility fails to properly validate input boundaries during file processing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where scp is compiled with insufficient bounds checking mechanisms, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors who have already gained system-level privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the scp implementation, where the software does not properly verify the size or boundaries of data being processed during file transfer operations. This missing bounds check allows for memory corruption that can occur when the program attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have been consistently identified as high-risk vulnerabilities in software security assessments. The flaw operates at the system level where memory management routines fail to enforce proper boundary constraints, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-20668 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation when combined with existing system-level access. While the vulnerability requires a pre-existing system privilege level to exploit, the nature of the out-of-bounds write creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents in ways that could lead to privilege elevation. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage existing access to escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share system resources, as it could enable an attacker with minimal access to potentially gain full system control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on applying the provided patch ALPS09625562 which addresses the specific bounds checking issue within the scp utility implementation. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those where scp is actively used for file transfers. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual scp activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as mandatory access controls and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and memory safety practices in system utilities, particularly those handling file transfer operations that are frequently used in enterprise environments.