CVE-2024-38416
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-38416 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Qualcomm audio components that allows attackers to access sensitive memory contents during audio playback. This affects devices using Qualcomm chipsets with vulnerable audio drivers. The vulnerability could expose cryptographic keys, passwords, or other sensitive data stored in memory.
💻 Affected Systems
- Qualcomm chipsets with vulnerable audio components
📦 What is this software?
Snapdragon 820 Automotive 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
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Auto 5g Modem Rf Gen 2 Firmware →
Snapdragon X55 5g Modem Rf Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon X55 5g Modem Rf Firmware →
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 →
Snapdragon Xr2 5g Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
View all CVEs affecting Snapdragon Xr2 5g Platform Firmware →
Video Collaboration Vc1 Platform Firmware by Qualcomm
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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of sensitive data including encryption keys, authentication tokens, and private user information leading to account takeover, data theft, and further system compromise.
Likely Case
Limited information disclosure of audio-related memory buffers, potentially exposing some application data or system information but not full system compromise.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper memory isolation and access controls preventing unauthorized memory access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to trigger audio playback. No public exploit code available as of the bulletin date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Qualcomm February 2025 security bulletin for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://docs.qualcomm.com/product/publicresources/securitybulletin/february-2025-bulletin.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Qualcomm security bulletin for affected chipset versions. 2. Obtain updated firmware/software from device manufacturer. 3. Apply the patch following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot device to activate fixes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary audio services
allReduce attack surface by disabling non-essential audio processing features
Implement memory protection controls
linuxUse SELinux/AppArmor to restrict audio component memory access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices on segmented network
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for devices with audio processing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device chipset and firmware version against Qualcomm's affected products list in the security bulletinCheck Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer (e.g., 'getprop ro.build.fingerprint' on Android)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to a version after the patch release date in the Qualcomm bulletin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual audio service crashes
- Memory access violations in audio components
- Unexpected audio process behavior
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound data transfers during audio playback
- Suspicious local process communication
SIEM Query:
Process:audio AND (EventID:AccessViolation OR EventID:MemoryError)