CVE-2022-25730

8.2 HIGH

📋 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

Products:
  • Qualcomm modem chipsets
  • Devices with Qualcomm modems (smartphones, tablets, IoT devices)
Versions: Specific affected chipset versions not publicly detailed; vulnerability present in certain Qualcomm modem firmware versions prior to April 2023 patches.
Operating Systems: Android, Linux-based systems with Qualcomm modems
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects devices with vulnerable Qualcomm modem firmware; exact chipset models not specified in public bulletins.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ 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.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This vulnerability requires local access to the device; it cannot be exploited directly over the internet.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Malicious apps or local attackers could exploit this, but requires specific conditions and access to modem interfaces.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

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

linux

Limit 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

🔗 References

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