CVE-2024-43057

7.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2024-43057 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Glink Linux driver that allows memory corruption when processing commands. This could enable local privilege escalation or denial of service attacks. Affected systems include Qualcomm-based devices running vulnerable Linux kernel versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Qualcomm chipsets with Glink Linux driver
Versions: Specific versions not detailed in reference; affected versions prior to March 2025 patches
Operating Systems: Linux kernels on Qualcomm-based systems
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects embedded systems, mobile devices, and IoT devices using Qualcomm chipsets with vulnerable Glink driver implementations.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Local attacker gains kernel-level privileges, leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.

🟠

Likely Case

Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions or cause system crashes.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to denial of service if proper isolation and privilege separation are implemented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW (requires local access to exploit)
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH (local attackers on compromised systems can escalate privileges)

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and knowledge of memory layout; typical of use-after-free vulnerabilities in kernel drivers.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patches included in March 2025 Qualcomm security bulletin

Vendor Advisory: https://docs.qualcomm.com/product/publicresources/securitybulletin/march-2025-bulletin.html

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check Qualcomm security bulletin for specific patch details. 2. Apply kernel/driver updates from device manufacturer. 3. Reboot system to load patched driver.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict local user access

linux

Limit local shell access to trusted users only

Disable unnecessary Glink features

linux

If possible, disable unused Glink communication channels

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict access controls to prevent untrusted local users
  • Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and kernel crashes

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel/driver version against Qualcomm security bulletin; examine dmesg for Glink driver version

Check Version:

uname -r && dmesg | grep -i glink

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel/driver version matches patched version from manufacturer; check that March 2025 patches are applied

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Kernel panic logs
  • Use-after-free warnings in kernel logs
  • Unexpected privilege escalation

Network Indicators:

  • None (local exploit only)

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("use-after-free" OR "glink" OR "kernel panic")

🔗 References

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