CVE-2023-21628 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Qualcomm devices, specifically related to memory corruption in the WLAN HAL. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the system through the processing of WMI-UTF commands or FTM TLV1 commands. The CVSS score of 8.4 indicates a significant risk, emphasizing the need for organizations to prioritize remediation efforts.
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and disruptions to service availability. With a local attack vector and low attack complexity, the threat level is heightened, particularly since no user interaction is required for exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on June 6, 2023, and continues to be a concern as it remains unaddressed in many systems. Given the nature of this issue, it is essential for organizations leveraging Qualcomm technology to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring for any indications of exploitation.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof-of-concept (PoC) code available for this vulnerability, but organizations should not rely solely on this lack of evidence when assessing their risk. The absence of known exploits does not negate the potential impact this vulnerability could have on their operations.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-21628 states, "Memory corruption in WLAN HAL while processing WMI-UTF command or FTM TLV1 command." This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write).
The CVSS score for this vulnerability varies between 7.8 and 8.4, depending on the source, indicating a high severity level. The attack requires no privileges and does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. Organizations utilizing Qualcomm products such as the APQ8017, APQ8064AU, and others in their firmware are at risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in a memory corruption error that occurs when the WLAN HAL processes certain commands. This flaw could allow an attacker to manipulate memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or other malicious activities.
The attack vector is local, meaning that exploitation can only occur from a local network. The attack complexity is rated as low, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability with minimal effort. As no privileges are required and no user interaction is necessary, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to devices using affected firmware.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with all three metrics rated as high. Organizations should assess their defenses and ensure proper monitoring and response plans are in place.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing Qualcomm products affected by CVE-2023-21628 face significant risks. The potential for exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruptions. The vulnerability's high CVSS score indicates a critical need for immediate action. Organizations must evaluate their deployment of Qualcomm technology and take proactive measures to mitigate this risk.
As this vulnerability is actively being monitored, organizations should consider the potential blast radius of an attack. Given the widespread use of Qualcomm technology, the impact could extend beyond a single organization, affecting multiple users and systems.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected. Specific vulnerable firmware includes apq8017, apq8064au, apq8076, apq8092, apq8094, and others listed in the CVE details.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to remediate this vulnerability. The latest firmware versions should be installed to eliminate the risk. In cases where immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to limit access to affected devices and enhance monitoring.
For ongoing security, regular penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations can explore options for penetration testing as part of their security strategy.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual behavior related to WLAN operations, particularly those involving WMI-UTF commands. Look for anomaly patterns that deviate from normal operational behavior. Implementing network signatures can also help detect potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-21628 highlights a trend of emerging vulnerabilities in wireless communication protocols. Security teams must take proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with wireless technology.
Organizations should implement comprehensive security assessments to evaluate their exposure to such vulnerabilities. This includes regular updates to their security posture and ensuring that all connected devices are continuously monitored for anomalies.
For further guidance on securing your infrastructure against similar vulnerabilities, organizations can explore our resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to strengthen defenses.
In conclusion, CVE-2023-21628 represents a significant threat to organizations using Qualcomm technology. Immediate action is required to patch vulnerable systems and ensure robust monitoring to prevent exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)