CVE-2019-10538 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-10538, a Qualcomm Snapdragon vulnerability impacting WLAN HOST. Discover affected systems, versions, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms could potentially compromise the High Level Operating System (HLOS) due to improper input validation in WLAN HOST.
Understanding CVE-2019-10538
This CVE involves a failure to verify the address range received from firmware responses, exposing the modem to respond to arbitrary pages within its address range, affecting various Snapdragon platforms.
What is CVE-2019-10538?
The vulnerability arises from the lack of checking the address range received from firmware responses, allowing the modem to respond to arbitrary pages within its range, potentially compromising the HLOS in Snapdragon platforms.
The Impact of CVE-2019-10538
This vulnerability poses a risk of compromising the High Level Operating System (HLOS) in Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Consumer IOT, Industrial IOT, Mobile, Voice & Music, and Wearables.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-10538
The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability:
Vulnerability Description
The failure to verify the address range received from firmware responses exposes the modem to the risk of responding to arbitrary pages within its address range.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Platforms: Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Consumer IOT, Industrial IOT, Mobile, Voice & Music, Wearables
- Affected Models: MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCS405, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 425, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 665, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820A, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDA660, SDM439, SDM660, SDX20, SDX24
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially compromise the HLOS by manipulating the modem to respond to arbitrary pages within its address range.
Mitigation and Prevention
Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigating this vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
- Monitor Qualcomm's security bulletins for updates and advisories.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update firmware and software on affected devices.
- Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates from Qualcomm for the affected platforms and models.