CVE-2023-21664 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-21664 article provides detailed information about a memory corruption vulnerability identified in Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform.

Understanding CVE-2023-21664

The vulnerability in question involves memory corruption in the Core Platform, specifically while printing the response buffer in the log. This flaw could potentially lead to a classic buffer overflow scenario.

What is CVE-2023-21664?

CVE-2023-21664 is a memory corruption vulnerability discovered in Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, specifically in the Core Platform. The issue arises when printing the response buffer in the log, which can result in a buffer overflow, a type of software vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code or take control of the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21664

The impact of CVE-2023-21664 is significant, given its high severity rating. The vulnerability has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7.8, with a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The attack complexity is rated as low, with low privileges required for exploitation, making it a potential target for malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21664

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a buffer copy operation in the Core Platform without properly checking the size of the input data, leading to potential memory corruption. This oversight can allow an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially causing a buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-21664 vulnerability impacts a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon products, including various versions under the Snapdragon platform. Affected products include AQT1000, AR8035, IPQ series, QCA series, QCM series, SD series, SM series, WCD series, WCN series, and more.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21664 involves manipulating the response buffer in such a way that it exceeds the allocated memory space, leading to a buffer overflow. By carefully crafting the input data, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code, disrupt system operations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against the CVE-2023-21664 vulnerability, it is crucial to implement immediate remediation steps, adopt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using affected Qualcomm Snapdragon products should apply security patches provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, monitoring for any signs of exploitation and restricting unauthorized access can help mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, conducting regular security assessments and code reviews, implementing secure coding practices, and educating personnel on cybersecurity best practices can enhance the overall security posture and resilience of systems against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm, promptly applying patches and firmware updates, and ensuring system configurations align with recommended security guidelines are essential steps in mitigating risks associated with CVE-2023-21664 and similar vulnerabilities.