CVE-2018-5871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-5871, a Qualcomm Snapdragon vulnerability impacting MAC address randomization during probe requests. Find out affected systems, exploitation details, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2018-5871 involves a vulnerability in Qualcomm's Snapdragon products related to MAC address randomization during probe requests. The flaw stems from a flawed RNG, leading to privacy concerns.
Understanding CVE-2018-5871
What is CVE-2018-5871?
In versions of Snapdragon products, there is an issue with MAC address randomization during probe requests due to a flawed RNG, causing repeated output earlier than expected.
The Impact of CVE-2018-5871
This vulnerability can compromise user privacy by failing to properly randomize MAC addresses, potentially exposing sensitive information during probe requests.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-5871
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in Qualcomm's Snapdragon products results in improper execution of MAC address randomization during probe requests, posing privacy risks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products: Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear
- Versions: MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCA6574AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660, SDM429, SDM439, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM710, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability arises from a flawed RNG that generates repeating output earlier than expected, impacting the proper execution of MAC address randomization during probe requests.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor official sources for security bulletins and advisories related to Qualcomm products.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update firmware and software to ensure the latest security enhancements are in place.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential threats.
Patching and Updates
- Keep all Qualcomm products up to date with the latest firmware and security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.