CVE-2019-14081
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer over-read vulnerability in Qualcomm's WLAN module when processing SAR limits messages with invalid parameters. It affects multiple Snapdragon platforms across consumer, industrial, mobile, and networking products. Attackers could potentially read sensitive memory contents or cause denial of service.
💻 Affected Systems
- APQ8098
- IPQ8074
- MSM8998
- QCA8081
- QCN7605
- QCS605
- SDA660
- SDA845
- SDM630
- SDM636
- SDM660
- SDM670
- SDM710
- SDM845
- SDM850
- SM8150
- SXR1130
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Information disclosure of sensitive kernel memory, potential privilege escalation, or system crash leading to denial of service.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, or limited information disclosure from adjacent memory regions.
If Mitigated
Controlled crash or restart of WLAN module with no data compromise if proper memory protections are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending specially crafted WMI messages to the WLAN module, which typically requires WLAN access but not authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Vendor-specific firmware updates
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/march-2020-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm-provided firmware patches. 3. Reboot device to load new firmware.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WLAN if not needed
linuxTurn off wireless functionality to prevent exploitation
nmcli radio wifi off
ip link set wlan0 down
Network segmentation
allIsolate affected devices on separate VLANs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit WLAN exposure
- Monitor for unusual WLAN activity or system crashes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against manufacturer's patched versionsCheck Version:
cat /sys/class/net/wlan0/device/firmware_versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched release📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- WLAN driver crashes
- System reboots
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WMI protocol traffic
- Malformed SAR limit messages
SIEM Query:
event.category:kernel AND (event.message:*panic* OR event.message:*WLAN*crash*)