CVE-2022-40538 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-40538, a vulnerability affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset.

Understanding CVE-2022-40538

CVE-2022-40538 is a vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that could lead to Transient Denial of Service (DOS) due to a reachable assertion in the modem when processing incorrect values from the network.

What is CVE-2022-40538?

The vulnerability in the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset can be exploited by an attacker to cause a Transient DOS condition by sending malformed data to the device, triggering the reachable assertion in the modem.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40538

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5. It can result in service disruption or denial of service for affected devices using the Snapdragon chipsets.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40538

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability in terms of affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a reachable assertion in the modem while processing System Information Blocks (SIB) with incorrect values received from the network, leading to a Transient DOS condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2022-40538 vulnerability impacts various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, including the AR8035, FastConnect 6900, FastConnect 7800, QCA8081, QCA8337, QCN6024, QCN9024, QCS8550, Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, Snapdragon X70 Modem-RF System, and WCD9380.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network without requiring user interaction, making it a potential target for threat actors seeking to disrupt services.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2022-40538, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential to protect affected systems from exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Affected users should apply security patches provided by Qualcomm to mitigate the vulnerability and reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, network-level protections can also help prevent attacks targeting the reachable assertion in the modem.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating firmware and monitoring for security advisories from Qualcomm can help maintain a secure environment for Snapdragon chipset users. Employing network security measures and implementing access controls can further enhance the security posture.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has released patches to address CVE-2022-40538 in the affected chipsets. Users are advised to promptly apply these patches to safeguard their devices against potential exploitation.