CVE-2023-33045

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-33045?

CVE-2023-33045 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via memory corruption in Qualcomm WLAN firmware when parsing specially crafted NAN management frames. It affects devices with vulnerable Qualcomm WLAN chipsets, primarily mobile devices and IoT equipment.

9.8 CRITICAL

Remote Code Execution Denial of Service

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via memory corruption in Qualcomm WLAN firmware when parsing specially crafted NAN management frames. It affects devices with vulnerable Qualcomm WLAN chipsets, primarily mobile devices and IoT equipment.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Qualcomm WLAN chipsets with NAN support

Versions: Specific firmware versions not publicly detailed in advisory

Operating Systems: Android, Linux-based IoT systems

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) functionality to be enabled. Many devices have this enabled by default for features like Wi-Fi Aware.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete device compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.

🟠

Likely Case

Device crash/reboot (denial of service) or limited code execution within WLAN firmware context.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if patched firmware is installed or if NAN functionality is disabled.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Attackers can exploit remotely via Wi-Fi without authentication.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Exploitable from within wireless range without network access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires crafting malicious NAN management frames and proximity to target device. No public exploit code available as of advisory date.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware updates from device manufacturers (check specific device security bulletins)

Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/november-2023-bulletin

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check device manufacturer's security updates. 2. Apply latest firmware/OS update. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify WLAN firmware version is updated.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable NAN/Wi-Fi Aware

all

Turn off Neighbor Awareness Networking functionality to prevent parsing of malicious frames

# Android: Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Preferences > Advanced > Wi-Fi Aware (toggle off)
# Linux: iw dev <interface> set nan off

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate vulnerable devices on separate wireless networks with strict access controls

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Segment vulnerable devices on isolated wireless networks with MAC filtering
Deploy wireless intrusion prevention systems (WIPS) to detect NAN exploitation attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device manufacturer security bulletins for affected models. Review WLAN firmware version if accessible.

Check Version:

# Android: Settings > About Phone > Android Security Patch Level
# Linux: dmesg | grep -i wlan

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm latest firmware/OS updates are installed and check that security patch level includes November 2023 or later.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

WLAN firmware crashes
Kernel panic related to WLAN
Unexpected device reboots

Network Indicators:

Unusual NAN management frame patterns
Malformed 802.11 frames targeting NAN

SIEM Query:

source="wireless" AND (event_type="crash" OR event_type="panic") AND process="wlan"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-33045

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-120

Published: November 7, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/november-2023-bulletin Vendor Advisory
https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/november-2023-bulletin Vendor Advisory

📋 TL;DR

💻 Affected Systems

📦 What is this software?

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