CVE-2023-21651 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21651 detail a specific vulnerability titled "Incorrect Type Conversion or Cast in Core" which impacts a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon products.

Understanding CVE-2023-21651

The CVE-2023-21651 vulnerability involves memory corruption in the core due to an incorrect type conversion or cast in the secure_io_read/write function in Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

What is CVE-2023-21651?

The CVE-2023-21651 vulnerability is categorized as Critical with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.3. It has a low complexity of attack and a local attack vector. The impact on availability, confidentiality, and integrity is high. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges for exploitation, and user interaction is not needed.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21651

This critical vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information on affected devices, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21651

The vulnerability stems from an incorrect type conversion or cast in the secure_io_read/write function within the TEE. This flaw can be exploited by a local attacker to manipulate memory, potentially leading to severe consequences.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for memory corruption in the core due to improper type conversion or cast, potentially resulting in unauthorized actions being performed by an attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of Qualcomm Snapdragon products are affected by CVE-2023-21651, ranging from AQT1000 to WSA8835. These include various Snapdragon platforms used in different devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally without the need for high privileges, making it a target for malicious actors looking to compromise the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21651, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability promptly.
Monitor for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity on affected devices.
Limit physical access to vulnerable devices to prevent local exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement stringent access controls and user permissions to limit potential attack surfaces.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any security weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected Qualcomm Snapdragon devices are updated with the latest security patches available from the vendor to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21651 and enhance overall system security.