CVE-2021-35076 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE refers to a possible null pointer dereference vulnerability in multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon products. This article provides an overview of the CVE, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-35076

CVE-2021-35076 points to a potential null pointer dereference flaw arising from inadequate validation of the RRC connection reconfiguration message in various Qualcomm Snapdragon products.

What is CVE-2021-35076?

The vulnerability allows attackers to trigger a null pointer dereference by exploiting the mentioned message validation issue in Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, Industrial IOT, and Mobile platforms.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35076

With a CVSS base score of 7.5, the issue poses a high availability impact. However, it does not affect confidentiality or integrity, requiring no special privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35076

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper validation of the RRC connection reconfiguration message, leading to a potential null pointer dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Qualcomm Snapdragon products ranging from AR8035 to WSA8835 are impacted, encompassing various Auto, Compute, Connectivity, IOT, and Mobile devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this flaw through network-based vectors with low complexity, potentially causing high availability impact.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the recommended steps to address CVE-2021-35076 and enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement vendor-provided patches or security updates promptly to remediate the vulnerability and secure the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain a proactive approach to security by conducting regular vulnerability assessments, security audits, and employee training on secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security advisories from Qualcomm and apply patches as soon as they are released to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.