External risk intelligence

Qualcomm Chipsets Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-11261

Qualcomm chipsets are affected by a memory corruption vulnerability. This matters because it can lead to unauthorized access and modification of data, impacting system integrity and business operations. The realistic business risk involves potential disruptions and data compromise.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Qualcomm Apq8009 Firmware

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-11261

The vulnerability involves memory corruption in low-level firmware and internal chipset components. It is not exposed to the public internet and requires execution within the local environment or device-specific application context, making remote, internet-based exploitation through standard network vectors not applicable.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets used in various consumer and industrial products contain a memory corruption vulnerability. This flaw arises from an inadequate check when a user application requests an exceptionally large memory allocation. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access to compromise system integrity.

  • Vulnerable Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets.
  • Improper error check for large memory requests.
  • Potential for system integrity compromise.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability stems from an application requesting an excessive amount of memory, which the system does not properly validate. This can lead to memory corruption. An attacker with local access could exploit this by triggering the flawed memory allocation process.

  • Local execution required.
  • Trigger memory allocation.
  • Attacker gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The identified vulnerability presents a risk of memory corruption within specific Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. Exploitation could lead to the compromise of system integrity and data confidentiality. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should assess their use of affected Qualcomm Snapdragon products to mitigate potential business risks.

  • Attackers likely possess moderate technical skills.
  • Requires local access or specific application execution.
  • Business risk and urgency are elevated.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an unauthorized application to corrupt memory by requesting an excessive amount of memory allocation. This could potentially impact the stability and integrity of affected systems. The impact to the organization includes potential disruption of services and the risk of data corruption on affected devices.

  • Find affected Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-11261 and which Qualcomm products are affected?

CVE-2020-11261 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Qualcomm chipsets. It impacts Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, Consumer and Industrial IoT, Mobile, Voice & Music, and Wearables products.

How is CVE-2020-11261 characterized by its weakness class?

This vulnerability is characterized as a memory corruption issue due to an improper check when an application requests a very large memory allocation. It is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation).

What is the trigger path for CVE-2020-11261?

The vulnerability is triggered when a user application requests an extremely large memory allocation, which the system fails to properly validate. This can lead to memory corruption.

What is the relevance of CVE-2020-11261, and is it actively exploited?

CVE-2020-11261 was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating it has been actively exploited in the wild. Exploitation requires local access to the device, potentially through a malicious app or physical access.

What actions should be taken regarding CVE-2020-11261?

Qualcomm has addressed this vulnerability, and users are advised to apply updates per vendor instructions to mitigate the risks. Prompt installation of monthly security updates is crucial.

References