CVE-2020-11218
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a denial-of-service vulnerability in Qualcomm baseband processors when LTE betaOffset-RI-Index configuration is processed without proper data validation. Attackers can cause service disruption by sending specially crafted network configuration messages. Affected devices include various Snapdragon platforms used in automotive, compute, connectivity, and mobile applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- Snapdragon Auto
- Snapdragon Compute
- Snapdragon Connectivity
- Snapdragon Consumer IOT
- Snapdragon Industrial IOT
- Snapdragon Mobile
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete loss of cellular connectivity on affected devices, rendering them unable to make calls, send messages, or use mobile data services until rebooted.
Likely Case
Temporary service disruption requiring device reboot to restore cellular functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if patched; unpatched devices remain vulnerable to targeted attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to send malicious network configuration messages to target devices.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Qualcomm March 2021 security bulletin for specific chipset patches
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/march-2021-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm-provided baseband firmware patches. 3. Reboot device after patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network filtering
allImplement network-level filtering to block suspicious LTE configuration messages
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable devices from untrusted networks
- Implement network monitoring for abnormal LTE configuration patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against Qualcomm security bulletin; devices with unpatched baseband firmware are vulnerable.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; typically in device settings or using manufacturer diagnostic tools.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify baseband firmware version has been updated to patched version specified in Qualcomm advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Baseband crash logs
- Unexpected LTE configuration rejection events
- Cellular service disruption alerts
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal LTE RRC configuration messages
- Suspicious network-originated configuration attempts
SIEM Query:
Search for baseband crash events or cellular service disruption patterns in device logs