CVE-2018-11846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Snapdragon Mobile versions SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 845, and SD 850 are vulnerable to timing/side channel attacks due to a memory comparison operation lacking time constancy.

Understanding CVE-2018-11846

Snapdragon Mobile devices are susceptible to information exposure in storage, potentially leading to timing/side channel attacks.

What is CVE-2018-11846?

The vulnerability in Snapdragon Mobile versions SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 845, and SD 850 arises from the use of a non-time-constant memory comparison operation, allowing for timing/side channel attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11846

The vulnerability can result in information exposure in storage, enabling attackers to exploit timing/side channel weaknesses to access sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11846

Snapdragon Mobile devices are affected by a vulnerability that can be exploited through timing/side channel attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from the lack of time constancy in memory comparison operations, making devices susceptible to timing/side channel attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Snapdragon Mobile
Vendor: Qualcomm, Inc.
Vulnerable Versions: SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 845, SD 850

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging timing/side channel weaknesses to access sensitive information stored on affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2018-11846 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm, Inc.
Monitor for any unusual activities indicating a potential exploit of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update device firmware to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm, Inc. to address vulnerabilities promptly.