CVE-2020-25859 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The Qualcomm QCMAP software suite prior to versions released in October 2020 is vulnerable to a local command injection flaw, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands and potentially escalate privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-25859

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the QCMAP_CLI utility within Qualcomm QCMAP software.

What is CVE-2020-25859?

The QCMAP_CLI utility in Qualcomm QCMAP software prior to October 2020 versions allows local attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-25859

The vulnerability enables attackers to run arbitrary commands, posing a significant security risk to devices utilizing the affected Qualcomm QCMAP software.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-25859

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the QCMAP_CLI utility's use of a system() call without input validation when handling a SetGatewayUrl() request.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Qualcomm QCMAP
Versions: Fixed in October 2020

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with shell access can exploit the vulnerability by passing shell metacharacters to run arbitrary commands.
If QCMAP_CLI has sudo or setuid permissions, attackers can escalate privileges to root.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-25859, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Qualcomm QCMAP software to versions released in October 2020.
Restrict shell access and review sudo and setuid permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms in software utilities to prevent command injections.
Regularly monitor and audit system commands and permissions.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure the latest fixes and enhancements are in place.