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CVE-2024-20003NVD status: Modified

In Modem NL1, there is a possible system crash due to an improper input validation.

CVE-2024-20003 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in MT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797 from MediaTek, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected MT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797 versions: Modem NR15. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.05% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 65% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of MT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on corp.mediatek.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MediaTekMT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797Modem NR15Not stated
MediaTekmt6875tNot specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt2735Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6297Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6833Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6853Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6855Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6873Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6875Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6877Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6880Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6883Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6885Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6889Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6890Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6891Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt6893Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt8675Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt8791Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt8791tNot specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekmt8797Not specified in the recordNot stated
MediaTekNr15Not specified in the recordNot stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
NoneNo data is disclosed.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

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

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.5HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.5HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

In Modem NL1, there is a possible system crash due to an improper input validation. This could lead to remote denial of service, if NW sent invalid NR RRC Connection Setup message, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01191612; Issue ID: MOLY01191612 (MSV-981).

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation

The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
  • Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
  • Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.

More Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-20)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in MT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797

All MT2735, MT6297, MT6833, MT6853, MT6855, MT6873, MT6875, MT6875T, MT6877, MT6880, MT6883, MT6885, MT6889, MT6890, MT6891, MT6893, MT8675, MT8791, MT8791T, MT8797 vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities

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