CVE-2023-21652 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-21652 article provides details on the cryptographic issue identified in HLOS (High-Level Operating System). The vulnerability stems from derived keys being left on the stack post-use, leading to potential encryption and decryption errors.

Understanding CVE-2023-21652

This section delves deeper into what CVE-2023-21652 entails, discussing its impact and technical details comprehensively.

What is CVE-2023-21652?

CVE-2023-21652 highlights a key management error within HLOS, where keys used for encrypting and decrypting data remain present on the stack after their intended use. This oversight can result in cryptographic vulnerabilities, compromising data confidentiality and integrity.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21652

The presence of derived keys on the stack after their primary usage can have severe implications. With high confidentiality and integrity impacts, threat actors could potentially exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information and tamper with data, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21652

This section provides a breakdown of the vulnerability, outlining the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism involved.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in HLOS arises from the mishandling of derived keys, which are not properly cleared from the stack after completing encryption or decryption operations. This oversight leaves sensitive data exposed, making it susceptible to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

A wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon products are affected by CVE-2023-21652, including versions such as AQT1000, AR8035, CSRA6620, QCA6421, SD 675, SD 865 5G, and many others. The extensive list underscores the significance of the vulnerability across various Qualcomm platforms.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access to the affected device's stack, where the leftover derived keys reside. A malicious actor with this access could potentially retrieve these keys and compromise the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21652 and enhance overall security posture, immediate steps must be taken, supplemented by long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon products should prioritize assessing and mitigating the impact of this vulnerability by implementing relevant security measures. This includes monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts and reinforcing key management protocols.

Long-Term Security Practices

To fortify system resilience against similar cryptographic vulnerabilities, organizations are advised to establish robust security practices, including regular security audits, encryption key rotation, and continuous security awareness training for personnel.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has likely released security bulletins and patches to address CVE-2023-21652. It is critical for organizations to promptly apply these patches and firmware updates to safeguard their systems from potential exploits leveraging the identified key management errors in HLOS.