CVE-2022-33255 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-33255, a vulnerability that leads to information disclosure due to buffer over-read in Bluetooth HOST in Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs.

Understanding CVE-2022-33255

CVE-2022-33255 is a security vulnerability affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, exposing devices to potential information leakage through Bluetooth HOST.

What is CVE-2022-33255?

The vulnerability stems from a buffer over-read issue in the Bluetooth HOST component of affected Qualcomm products. This flaw allows threat actors to retrieve sensitive information by exploiting specific Bluetooth commands.

The Impact of CVE-2022-33255

With a CVSS base score of 8.2 (High Severity), the vulnerability poses a significant risk by enabling attackers to access confidential data without requiring special user privileges. The confidentiality impact is particularly severe.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-33255

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, detailing affected systems, the exploitation mechanism, and suitable mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2022-33255 involves a buffer over-read scenario within the Bluetooth HOST module, triggered during the processing of certain commands from a connected Bluetooth device, leading to an information leakage.

Affected Systems and Versions

Qualcomm Snapdragon chips across multiple product categories are affected by this vulnerability, including versions like APQ8009, AR8031, MSM8208, SD625, SD835, and many more.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires sending malicious Bluetooth commands to the target device, taking advantage of the buffer over-read condition to obtain unintended data from the device's memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2022-33255 vulnerability, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended to safeguard Qualcomm devices against potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to mitigate the risk of information disclosure through Bluetooth HOST. Additionally, users should exercise caution while connecting to unknown or untrusted Bluetooth devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long run, maintaining up-to-date firmware and security software, regularly monitoring for security advisories from Qualcomm, and following best practices for Bluetooth connectivity can help prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

For specific details and patch information regarding CVE-2022-33255, it is recommended to refer to the official Qualcomm Security Bulletin for January 2023, which outlines the necessary steps to address this security issue.