CVE-2022-40505
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to read sensitive information from modem memory due to a buffer over-read while parsing DNS hostnames. It affects devices with Qualcomm modems that haven't been patched. The information disclosure could reveal network configuration data or other sensitive information stored in adjacent memory.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm modem chipsets
📦 What is this software?
Snapdragon 1100 Wearable Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon 1100 Wearable Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon 1200 Wearable Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon 1200 Wearable Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon Wear 1300 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Wear 1300 Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon X5 Lte Modem Firmware by Qualcomm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could read sensitive modem memory contents including network credentials, device identifiers, or other proprietary data, potentially enabling further attacks.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of network configuration data, DNS queries, or adjacent memory contents that could aid in reconnaissance for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited information disclosure with proper network segmentation and modem isolation, preventing access to critical systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending specially crafted DNS packets to trigger the buffer over-read condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: May 2023 security update or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/may-2023-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm modem firmware updates. 3. Reboot device to apply changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
DNS filtering
allImplement DNS filtering to block malicious DNS queries that could trigger the vulnerability
Network segmentation
allIsolate modem interfaces from untrusted networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to modem interfaces
- Monitor for unusual DNS traffic patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check modem firmware version against Qualcomm security bulletin. Contact device manufacturer for specific vulnerability status.Check Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer. Typically: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch (for Android devices)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify modem firmware has been updated to May 2023 security patch level or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual DNS query patterns
- Modem crash logs
- Memory access violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Malformed DNS packets targeting modem interfaces
- Unusual traffic to modem management ports
SIEM Query:
dns.query contains unusual patterns OR modem_crash_event