CVE-2023-21635 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-21635 pertains to a memory corruption vulnerability in the Data Network Stack & Connectivity of Qualcomm Snapdragon products. The vulnerability occurs when a SIM card is detected on telephony.

Understanding CVE-2023-21635

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21635, focusing on what it is and the impact it carries.

What is CVE-2023-21635?

CVE-2023-21635 involves a memory corruption issue in the Data Network Stack & Connectivity of Qualcomm Snapdragon devices. Specifically, the vulnerability arises when a SIM card is detected during telephony operations.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21635

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to memory corruption, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. With a CVSS base score of 6.7, the severity of this issue is categorized as MEDIUM.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21635

In this section, the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21635 will be explored, including vulnerability descriptions, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a buffer copy operation without proper size validation in the Data Network Stack & Connectivity, triggered by the detection of a SIM card during telephony functions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Numerous Qualcomm Snapdragon products are affected by this vulnerability, including versions of Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Mobile, and Wearables. Specific impacted versions include AQT1000, FastConnect series, QCA series, Snapdragon 855 and above, Wear 4100+, and more.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally, with a high level of privileges required for an attack. By triggering the memory corruption issue during SIM card detection, an attacker could potentially compromise the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21635 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, implementing security best practices and monitoring system activities can help detect any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, continuous monitoring of network systems, and employee awareness training to enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has released security bulletins addressing CVE-2023-21635, containing patches and fixes to mitigate the vulnerability. It is crucial for users of affected Snapdragon products to apply these updates as soon as possible to secure their devices against potential threats.