CVE-2023-24854 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on July 4, 2023, by Qualcomm, Inc. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow in WLAN HOST resulting from parsing QMI WLAN Firmware response message.

Understanding CVE-2023-24854

This section will provide an overview of CVE-2023-24854, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-24854?

The vulnerability involves memory corruption in WLAN HOST during the parsing of QMI WLAN Firmware response message. This can lead to a stack-based buffer overflow, creating opportunities for threat actors to exploit the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24854

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7.8, this vulnerability has a high severity rating. It can result in significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts on affected systems. The attack vector is local, with low privileges required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24854

This section delves into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a stack-based buffer overflow in WLAN HOST caused by the incorrect parsing of QMI WLAN Firmware response messages. This can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects various Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, including AR8035, CSRA6620, FastConnect series, Flight RB5 5G Platform, Immersive Home series, IPQ series, QCA series, QCM series, Snapdragon Mobile platforms, and many others.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted QMI WLAN Firmware response messages to the affected WLAN HOST, triggering a stack-based buffer overflow and potentially gaining unauthorized access or control over the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-24854, immediate actions must be taken to secure affected systems and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to fix the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation attempts targeting the WLAN HOST component.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses in WLAN HOST and related components.
Educate system administrators and users about the risks associated with unpatched vulnerabilities and the importance of timely updates.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has released security bulletins addressing CVE-2023-24854. It is crucial for organizations and users to download, test, and apply the latest patches to ensure the security of their Qualcomm Snapdragon devices.

By following these mitigation strategies and staying informed about security updates, organizations can enhance the resilience of their systems against potential threats exploiting CVE-2023-24854.