CVE-2023-43543
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Qualcomm audio components where a race condition between allocation and deallocation of graph objects during audio playback or recording can lead to memory corruption. Attackers could potentially exploit this to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The vulnerability affects devices using Qualcomm audio components, primarily Android smartphones and other embedded devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm audio components
- Android devices with Qualcomm chipsets
- Embedded devices using Qualcomm audio
📦 What is this software?
Snapdragon Auto 5g Modem Rf Gen 2 Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Auto 5g Modem Rf Gen 2 Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain elevated permissions on the device, potentially leading to data access or further system compromise.
If Mitigated
Denial of service through application crashes or system instability if exploitation attempts are blocked or fail.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering a race condition in audio operations, which is technically challenging and may require local access or malicious app installation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Qualcomm June 2024 security bulletin for specific patch versions
Vendor Advisory: https://docs.qualcomm.com/product/publicresources/securitybulletin/june-2024-bulletin.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Qualcomm security bulletin for your chipset. 2. Obtain updated firmware from device manufacturer. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot device to activate fixes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable audio features
androidDisable audio playback/recording features that trigger the vulnerable code paths
Application sandboxing
allRestrict audio permissions for untrusted applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and users
- Implement strict application vetting and permission controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset and firmware version against Qualcomm's affected products list in the June 2024 bulletinCheck Version:
On Android: Settings > About Phone > Build Number / Kernel VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to a version after the June 2024 security patches📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Audio service crashes
- Kernel panic logs related to audio drivers
- Memory corruption errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual audio-related network traffic from compromised devices
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR event="audio_service_crash")