External risk intelligence

Qualcomm Chipsets Memory Corruption Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-33106

A memory corruption vulnerability in Qualcomm graphics processors could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, leading to data compromise or system disruption. This impacts organizations using devices with affected Qualcomm chipsets, potentially affecting employees and systems through unauthorized access and data m

1Halo Surface Signal

Memory Corruption

Qualcomm Ar8035 Firmware

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-33106

This vulnerability resides within a kernel-level GPU driver interface (IOCTL_KGSL_GPU_AUX_COMMAND) on Qualcomm hardware. It requires local execution on the device to interact with the driver and is not exposed to the public internet, nor is it a network-facing service.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Qualcomm chipsets are affected by a memory corruption vulnerability within the graphics processing unit. This flaw allows for unauthorized access and modification of system memory when a large list of synchronization points is submitted through a specific command to the graphics driver. The potential impact includes disruption of services and compromise of data integrity on affected devices.

  • Vulnerable graphics driver component.
  • Memory corruption allows unauthorized access.
  • System disruption and data compromise.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability arises from memory corruption within the graphics driver when processing specific commands. An attacker could exploit this by initiating a specialized command to the graphics processing unit. This action could lead to unauthorized control over the system, potentially impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability.

  • Local exposure is required.
  • Attacker submits large sync point list.
  • Memory corruption grants control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability involves memory corruption within a Qualcomm graphics driver. Exploitation requires an attacker to have local access to a device and possess a moderate level of technical skill to trigger the vulnerability through specific commands. The potential impact includes significant compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected system, posing a substantial business risk.

  • Moderate attacker skill level.
  • Local access to the device is required.
  • High business risk and potential urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability may impact organizations utilizing affected Qualcomm chipsets, potentially affecting system integrity and data confidentiality. The issue stems from memory corruption within the GPU auxiliary command processing. The primary risk is to the systems and data managed by these chipsets, with potential implications for business operations if exploited.

  • Identify exposed Qualcomm chipset assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate implementation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of Qualcomm AR8035 firmware in device connectivity?

Qualcomm AR8035 firmware is integral to Qualcomm chipsets, enabling essential hardware functions for network and communication devices to establish and manage connectivity.

What type of weakness does CVE-2023-33106 represent, and how is it classified?

CVE-2023-33106 is a memory corruption vulnerability, specifically classified under CWE-823 (Use of Out-of-range Pointer Offset). It indicates improper memory access handling.

How can the CVE-2023-33106 vulnerability be triggered?

This vulnerability is triggered when a large list of sync points is submitted in an AUX command to the IOCTL_KGSL_GPU_AUX_COMMAND, leading to memory corruption within the graphics driver.

What is the practical relevance of CVE-2023-33106 for users?

This vulnerability affects numerous Qualcomm chipsets, posing a risk due to memory corruption. Halo Surface Signal indicates this vulnerability is very unlikely to be exploited remotely.

What is the recommended action for addressing CVE-2023-33106?

Users should apply any available remediation or mitigation steps provided by Qualcomm. If no fixes are available, consider discontinuing the use of affected products.

References