CVE-2020-3625
📋 TL;DR
This is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that occurs when querying DSP capabilities. Attackers could exploit this to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Affected devices include Snapdragon Auto, Consumer IoT, and Mobile platforms using SM8250 and SXR2130 chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- Snapdragon Auto
- Snapdragon Consumer IOT
- Snapdragon Mobile
📦 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
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain elevated permissions on already compromised devices.
If Mitigated
Denial of service causing device instability or crashes if exploit attempts are blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or ability to execute code on the device. Buffer overflow in DSP query functionality could be leveraged for privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: May 2020 security patch level or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/may-2020-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for available firmware updates. 2. Apply May 2020 or later security patches. 3. Reboot device after update. 4. Verify patch level in device settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DSP access
linuxLimit which applications can access DSP capabilities through SELinux policies or application permissions.
# Configure SELinux to restrict DSP access
# setsebool -P allow_dsp_access 0
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and internet access
- Implement strict application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset model and security patch level. Devices with SM8250/SXR2130 chipsets and pre-May 2020 patches are vulnerable.Check Version:
# For Android: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Check chipset: adb shell getprop ro.board.platformVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is May 2020 or later in device settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- DSP service crashes
- Permission denied errors for DSP access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from privileged processes
- Anomalous inter-process communication
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops") AND "DSP" OR source="auditd" AND "avc: denied" AND "dsp"