CVE-2023-43521
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Qualcomm components where registering multiple listeners with the same file descriptor can cause memory corruption. This affects devices using Qualcomm chipsets and could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The vulnerability primarily impacts mobile devices, IoT devices, and embedded systems using affected Qualcomm hardware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm chipsets and associated firmware/software
📦 What is this software?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Firmware by Qualcomm
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Snapdragon 865 5g Mobile Firmware by Qualcomm
Snapdragon 865 5g Mobile Firmware by Qualcomm
Snapdragon 870 5g Mobile Firmware by Qualcomm
Snapdragon Auto 5g Modem Rf Gen 2 Firmware by Qualcomm
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Snapdragon W5\+ Gen 1 Wearable Firmware by Qualcomm
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Snapdragon Wear 4100\+ Firmware by Qualcomm
Snapdragon X55 5g Modem Rf Firmware by Qualcomm
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Snapdragon X72 5g Modem Rf Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon X72 5g Modem Rf Firmware →
Snapdragon X75 5g Modem Rf Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon X75 5g Modem Rf Firmware →
Video Collaboration Vc1 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Video Collaboration Vc1 Platform Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or denial of service affecting device stability.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper memory protection mechanisms and exploit mitigations in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires specific conditions and understanding of the memory corruption mechanism.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Qualcomm security bulletin for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://docs.qualcomm.com/product/publicresources/securitybulletin/may-2024-bulletin.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Qualcomm security bulletin for your chipset model. 2. Obtain firmware/software update from device manufacturer. 3. Apply update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot device to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict file descriptor access
linuxLimit which processes can register listeners with file descriptors
Implement SELinux/AppArmor policies to restrict file descriptor operations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit which users/processes can interact with file descriptors
- Deploy additional memory protection mechanisms like ASLR and stack canaries
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against Qualcomm's affected versions list in the security bulletinCheck Version:
Device-specific commands vary; typically 'getprop ro.build.version' or similar on Android devicesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version specified in Qualcomm advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple listener registration attempts with same file descriptor
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
- Unexpected process crashes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual local process communication patterns
SIEM Query:
Process monitoring for file descriptor manipulation patterns