CVE-2021-30266 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-30266, a vulnerability in Qualcomm products that could lead to possible use after free due to improper memory validation.

Understanding CVE-2021-30266

CVE-2021-30266 is a security vulnerability affecting multiple Qualcomm products that could result in potential misuse of memory during interface initialization.

What is CVE-2021-30266?

The vulnerability arises due to improper memory validation when initializing a new interface via the Interface add command in various Qualcomm products, potentially leading to a 'Use After Free' scenario in WLAN.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30266

With a CVSS base score of 6.7, this medium-severity vulnerability poses a significant threat to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers with high privileges could exploit this vulnerability locally.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30266

This section delves into specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-30266 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from incorrect memory validation procedures during the initialization of a new interface in Qualcomm products, allowing a potential 'Use After Free' situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Qualcomm products impacted include Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure, and various other versions listed by the vendor.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access and high privileges, making it critical for securing affected Qualcomm product deployments.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-30266 requires immediate action and long-term security strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using affected Qualcomm products should apply patches and updates urgently. Security teams must monitor for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, conducting regular security audits, and ensuring timely updates can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has provided security bulletins addressing CVE-2021-30266. Refer to the November 2021 bulletin for detailed information on patches and updates.