CVE-2023-20689 – This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerab... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-20689?

CVE-2023-20689 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in MediaTek wlan firmware that can cause system crashes. Attackers can remotely trigger denial of service without authentication or user interaction. Devices using affected MediaTek wireless chipsets are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in MediaTek wlan firmware that can cause system crashes. Attackers can remotely trigger denial of service without authentication or user interaction. Devices using affected MediaTek wireless chipsets are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

MediaTek wireless chipsets with vulnerable wlan firmware

Versions: Specific firmware versions not publicly detailed in CVE description

Operating Systems: Android, Linux-based systems using MediaTek chipsets

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices using MediaTek wireless hardware; exact device models not specified in CVE

📦 What is this software?

Android by Google

View all CVEs affecting Android →

Yocto by Linuxfoundation

View all CVEs affecting Yocto →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system crash requiring physical reboot, potentially disrupting critical wireless-dependent services

🟠

Likely Case

Temporary denial of service affecting wireless connectivity until system restart

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Remote exploitation without authentication makes internet-facing devices prime targets

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers could disrupt wireless networks but require network access

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

No authentication required and no user interaction needed makes exploitation straightforward

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware patch ALPS07664741

Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/July-2023

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates 2. Apply MediaTek patch ALPS07664741 3. Reboot device after patching

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network segmentation

all

Isolate vulnerable devices from untrusted networks

Disable wireless when not needed

all

Turn off WiFi on affected devices if wireless functionality is not required

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Segment vulnerable devices on isolated network segments
Implement strict network access controls and monitor for crash events

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device specifications for MediaTek wireless chipset and firmware version against vendor advisory

Check Version:

Device-specific commands vary; consult manufacturer documentation

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version includes patch ALPS07664741 and test wireless functionality

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected system crashes
Kernel panic logs
Wireless driver failures

Network Indicators:

Sudden wireless connectivity loss
Unusual wireless packet patterns

SIEM Query:

search 'kernel panic' OR 'system crash' AND 'wlan' OR 'wireless'

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-20689

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

CWE: CWE-190

Published: July 4, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/July-2023 Vendor Advisory
https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/July-2023 Vendor Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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