CVE-2020-11238 : Security Advisory and Response

Possible Buffer over-read in ARP/NS parsing due to lack of check of packet length received in various Qualcomm Snapdragon products.

Understanding CVE-2020-11238

What is CVE-2020-11238?

This CVE describes a potential buffer over-read vulnerability in ARP/NS parsing due to inadequate packet length verification in multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon product lines.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11238

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to exploit the buffer over-read issue, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11238

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper validation of packet length in ARP/NS parsing, leaving the affected Qualcomm Snapdragon products susceptible to buffer over-read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Qualcomm, Inc.
Products: Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking
Versions: AQT1000, AR8031, AR8035, and many more (extensive list provided)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted packets to the affected devices, triggering the buffer over-read condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability promptly.
Monitor Qualcomm's security bulletins for updates and advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all Qualcomm Snapdragon products to mitigate potential security risks.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to vulnerable devices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Qualcomm for the affected products.