CVE-2022-25730
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-25730 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Qualcomm modems where improper IP type checking during DNS server queries allows attackers to read sensitive memory contents. This affects devices with vulnerable Qualcomm modem chipsets, primarily smartphones and IoT devices. The vulnerability could expose modem memory containing sensitive network configuration data.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm modem chipsets
- Devices with Qualcomm modems (smartphones, tablets, IoT devices)
📦 What is this software?
Snapdragon Ar2 Gen 1 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Ar2 Gen 1 Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon X5 Lte Modem Firmware by Qualcomm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could extract sensitive modem memory contents including network credentials, IMSI/IMEI identifiers, and potentially cryptographic keys, leading to subscriber tracking, network impersonation, or further attacks.
Likely Case
Local attackers or malicious apps could read limited modem memory regions, potentially exposing device identifiers and network configuration data that could be used for tracking or profiling.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and app sandboxing, exploitation would be limited to local attackers with elevated privileges, reducing exposure of sensitive data.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to modem interfaces and knowledge of memory layout; no public exploits available as of current knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in Qualcomm modem firmware updates released in April 2023
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/april-2023-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm modem firmware patches. 3. Reboot device to activate new firmware. 4. Verify patch installation through device settings or manufacturer tools.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict modem interface access
linuxLimit which applications and users can access modem control interfaces to reduce attack surface.
# Review and restrict SELinux/AppArmor policies for modem interfaces
# Remove unnecessary modem debugging permissions from apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment network access and restrict device connectivity to trusted networks only
- Implement application sandboxing and principle of least privilege for apps accessing modem functions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against manufacturer security bulletins; examine modem firmware version if accessible through diagnostic interfaces.
Check Version:
# For Android devices: Settings > About Phone > Baseband version
# For Linux systems: check modem firmware through diagnostic interfaces if available
Verify Fix Applied:
Verify modem firmware has been updated to April 2023 or later patches from Qualcomm; check with device manufacturer for specific patch verification methods.
📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual modem interface access patterns
- Multiple failed DNS queries with malformed IP types
- Modem diagnostic interface abuse attempts
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal DNS query patterns from modem interfaces
- Unexpected modem memory read operations
SIEM Query:
Search for modem interface access events from untrusted applications or unusual process IDs accessing /dev/modem or similar interfaces