CVE-2023-43534
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows memory corruption when a Wi-Fi station connects to an access point due to improper validation of TID to Link Mapping action request frames. Attackers within Wi-Fi range could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Affects devices with vulnerable Qualcomm Wi-Fi chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm Wi-Fi chipsets and devices using them
📦 What is this software?
Flight Rb5 5g Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon Ar2 Gen 1 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Ar2 Gen 1 Platform Firmware →
Snapdragon X75 5g Modem Rf System Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon X75 5g Modem Rf System Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation
Likely Case
Denial of service (device crash/reboot) or limited memory corruption leading to instability
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation and access controls prevent attacker proximity
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires proximity to target's Wi-Fi network and knowledge of Wi-Fi frame manipulation
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware updates released in February 2024
Vendor Advisory: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/february-2024-bulletin
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply Qualcomm firmware updates. 3. Reboot device. 4. Verify Wi-Fi functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wi-Fi when not needed
linuxTurn off Wi-Fi radio to prevent connection attempts
nmcli radio wifi off
ip link set wlan0 down
Use wired connections
allPrefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi for critical systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment Wi-Fi networks and restrict access to trusted devices only
- Implement network monitoring for abnormal Wi-Fi frame patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version against Qualcomm's patched versions listCheck Version:
Check device-specific commands (e.g., 'cat /proc/version' for Linux, device settings for Android)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to post-February 2024 release📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Wi-Fi driver crashes
- Kernel panics related to Wi-Fi
- Unexpected device reboots
Network Indicators:
- Malformed TID to Link Mapping frames
- Abnormal Wi-Fi connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="wifi_logs" AND (event="driver_crash" OR event="kernel_panic")