CVE-2020-11298
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows non-secure clients to modify permissions on shared memory buffers while the system is waiting for callback responses in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This could enable privilege escalation or unauthorized access to secure kernel memory. Affected devices include automotive, mobile, IoT, and networking products using vulnerable Snapdragon processors.
💻 Affected Systems
- Snapdragon Auto
- Snapdragon Compute
- Snapdragon Connectivity
- Snapdragon Consumer IOT
- Snapdragon Industrial IOT
- Snapdragon Mobile
- Snapdragon Voice & Music
- Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking
📦 What is this software?
Sd7c Firmware by Qualcomm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code in secure kernel context, potentially gaining full control over affected devices.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security boundaries and access sensitive data or functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper memory isolation and access controls preventing unauthorized permission changes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local code execution or ability to manipulate shared memory buffers; timing window exploitation needed during callback waiting periods.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Qualcomm security bulletin for specific chipset/firmware versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/june-2021-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Qualcomm security bulletin for affected chipset models. 2. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates. 3. Apply firmware/software patches provided by OEM. 4. Reboot device after patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict non-secure client access
allLimit which applications/processes can access shared memory buffers and HLOS Invoke Call functionality
Enhanced memory protection
allImplement additional memory isolation and permission validation for shared buffers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and users
- Implement strict application whitelisting to prevent malicious code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset model and firmware version against Qualcomm's affected products list in the security bulletinCheck Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; typically 'cat /proc/cpuinfo' or manufacturer-specific diagnostic toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version specified by device manufacturer📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected permission changes to shared memory regions
- Abnormal secure kernel access patterns
- HLOS Invoke Call timing anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Local privilege escalation attempts
- Unauthorized memory access patterns
SIEM Query:
Process monitoring for unexpected shared memory access or permission modification events