Qualcomm products CVE-2024-21461
CVE-2024-21461 is a significant vulnerability identified in July 2024, primarily affecting Qualcomm products. This vulnerability involves memory corruption during the finish HMAC operation when the context is freed by the keymaster. It has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4, indicating a high severity level, and can be exploited locally without requiring special privileges or user interaction, posing a substantial risk to the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems.
Technical Details
- Vulnerability Type: Memory corruption
- Affected Products: Various Qualcomm firmware versions, including those associated with the wsa8845h and csrb31024 models.
- Impact: Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data, severely impacting system integrity and confidentiality.
Example of Exploitation
To illustrate how this vulnerability might be exploited, consider the following hypothetical scenario:
1. Preparation: An attacker identifies a vulnerable Qualcomm device running firmware that has not been patched against CVE-2024-21461.
2. Exploitation: The attacker crafts a malicious input that triggers the memory corruption during the HMAC operation. This could involve sending specially formatted data to the device that the keymaster processes.
3. Outcome: Once the memory corruption occurs, the attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive information or execute arbitrary code, depending on the specifics of the implementation and the context in which the vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation Strategies
Organizations using affected Qualcomm products should prioritize patching their systems with updates provided by Qualcomm. Regularly monitoring security bulletins and applying security patches promptly can help mitigate the risks associated with this and other vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-21461 represents a critical security risk for devices utilizing Qualcomm firmware. Understanding the nature of the vulnerability and implementing appropriate security measures are essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining system integrity.
What is Qualcomm products?
Qualcomm is a leading American multinational corporation that specializes in the development of semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has a significant impact on various sectors, particularly in mobile communications.
Key Product Categories
1. Chipsets and System-on-Chips (SoCs):
- Qualcomm produces a range of chipsets and SoCs, which are integral components in smartphones, tablets, and other devices. The Snapdragon series is one of its most recognized product lines, combining CPU, GPU, modem, and other functionalities into a single chip.
2. Modems:
- Qualcomm's modem technology supports various wireless standards, including 4G LTE and 5G. The Gobi family of modems is widely used in laptops and mobile devices, enabling connectivity across different networks.
3. Automotive Solutions:
- The company develops semiconductor components and software for automotive applications, enhancing connectivity and functionality in vehicles.
4. Internet of Things (IoT):
- Qualcomm offers solutions for IoT devices, including industrial applications, smart home devices, and wearables. Its QCM and QCS series of processors are designed specifically for IoT applications, providing efficient processing and connectivity options.
5. Wireless Technologies:
- Qualcomm is a pioneer in wireless communication technologies, having developed critical patents for standards like CDMA, WCDMA, and 5G. The company continues to innovate in areas such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services.
Applications
Qualcomm's products are utilized in a wide range of applications, including:
- Smartphones and Tablets: Most Android devices leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors for their performance and connectivity capabilities.
- Automotive: Enhancements in vehicle connectivity, navigation, and infotainment systems.
- Wearables: Smartwatches and fitness trackers often incorporate Qualcomm technologies for health monitoring and connectivity.
- Industrial IoT: Solutions for asset tracking, industrial automation, and retail point-of-sale systems.
Qualcomm's extensive portfolio of products and technologies positions it as a key player in the wireless communications industry. Its innovations continue to drive advancements in mobile technology, IoT, and automotive applications, making it a crucial contributor to the digital landscape.