CVE-2020-11186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover how CVE-2020-11186 affects Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, and Mobile devices by Qualcomm. Learn about the modem's infinite loop vulnerability and steps to mitigate the issue.
Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, and Snapdragon Mobile devices by Qualcomm are affected by a vulnerability that can cause the modem to enter an infinite loop, leading to a busy mode due to improper input validation.
Understanding CVE-2020-11186
This CVE involves a critical issue in Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, potentially impacting various devices and systems.
What is CVE-2020-11186?
The vulnerability in Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, and Mobile devices triggers a loop with an unreachable exit condition in the modem, causing it to get stuck in a busy loop due to incorrect input handling.
The Impact of CVE-2020-11186
The vulnerability can result in a denial of service (DoS) condition, rendering the affected devices unresponsive and disrupting their normal functionality.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-11186
Qualcomm's affected products and versions, along with the specific problem type and description, provide insights into the nature of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
- The modem enters a busy loop due to improper validation of input, specifically while parsing histogram dimensions.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products: Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, Mobile
- Versions: CSRB31024, PM3003A, PM7150A, PM7150L, and many more
Exploitation Mechanism
- The vulnerability is triggered by sending malicious input to the modem, causing it to enter an infinite loop.
Mitigation and Prevention
Addressing CVE-2020-11186 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures to safeguard affected systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches or updates provided by Qualcomm to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor system behavior for any signs of unusual modem activity.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update firmware and software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security bulletins and advisories from Qualcomm to apply timely patches and updates.