CVE-2023-21660
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition in WLAN firmware by sending specially crafted Fast Transition (FT) Information Elements. It affects devices with Qualcomm WLAN chipsets that haven't been patched, potentially disrupting wireless connectivity.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm WLAN chipsets and devices using them
📦 What is this software?
Immersive Home 214 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Immersive Home 214 Platform Firmware →
Immersive Home 216 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Immersive Home 216 Platform Firmware →
Immersive Home 316 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Immersive Home 316 Platform Firmware →
Immersive Home 318 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Immersive Home 318 Platform Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete wireless network disruption requiring device reboot, potentially affecting multiple connected devices simultaneously.
Likely Case
Temporary wireless connectivity loss for affected devices until firmware recovers or device is restarted.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and updated firmware.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires wireless proximity and knowledge of WLAN protocols. No public exploit code available as of knowledge cutoff.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to June 2023 Qualcomm security bulletin for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/june-2023-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm-provided firmware patches. 3. Reboot device after patching. 4. Verify wireless functionality post-update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Fast Transition (FT)
allDisable 802.11r Fast Transition feature if not required
# Configuration varies by device/wireless controller
# Consult device-specific documentation for FT disable commands
Network Segmentation
allSegment wireless networks to limit blast radius
# Implement VLAN segmentation
# Use separate SSIDs for different device classes
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement wireless intrusion detection/prevention systems (WIDS/WIPS)
- Monitor for unusual wireless disconnection patterns and FT protocol anomalies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against Qualcomm's patched versions in June 2023 bulletinCheck Version:
# Command varies by device: adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint (Android) or similar firmware checkVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version and test wireless connectivity stability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple wireless disconnection events
- WLAN firmware crash logs
- Unexpected FT protocol errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual FT information element patterns
- Spoofed FT authentication frames
- Abnormal wireless disconnection rates
SIEM Query:
wireless AND (disconnect OR crash) AND (FT OR 802.11r) | stats count by device_ip