CVE-2020-11272
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. It affects a wide range of Snapdragon-powered devices including automotive, mobile, IoT, and wearables. The vulnerability occurs when a hash table entry is deleted but still referenced later during frame processing.
💻 Affected Systems
- Snapdragon Auto
- Snapdragon Compute
- Snapdragon Connectivity
- Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity
- Snapdragon Consumer IOT
- Snapdragon Industrial IOT
- Snapdragon Mobile
- Snapdragon Voice & Music
- Snapdragon Wearables
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Device crash/reboot (denial of service) or limited code execution in kernel context.
If Mitigated
Denial of service only if exploit fails or is blocked by security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 suggests network exploitable without authentication. Kernel-level vulnerability requires specific timing/memory manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Varies by device manufacturer - check February 2021 or later security updates
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/february-2021-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply latest firmware/OS update. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify patch applied via version check.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate affected devices from untrusted networks
Disable unnecessary services
allReduce attack surface by disabling unused wireless/network features
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected devices on isolated network segments
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for anomalous behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset model and firmware version against manufacturer's security bulletinsCheck Version:
Device-specific: Android: Settings > About phone > Android security patch levelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify device has February 2021 or later security patches installed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected device reboots
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to/from affected devices
- Exploit kit signatures if known
SIEM Query:
Device logs containing 'kernel panic' OR 'use-after-free' OR unexpected reboot events from Snapdragon devices