CVE-2021-1981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves possible buffer over-read due to improper IE size check of Bearer capability IE in MT setup request from the network in various Qualcomm Snapdragon products.

Understanding CVE-2021-1981

This section explores the details, impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-1981.

What is CVE-2021-1981?

The vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon products allows for a buffer over-read, potentially leading to unauthorized access or information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1981

The vulnerability has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating a high severity issue that could result in a denial of service attack.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1981

Let's dive into the specifics of the vulnerability affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon products.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an inadequate check of the Bearer capability IE in MT setup requests, leaving the door open for a buffer over-read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Qualcomm Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Connectivity, Consumer IOT, Industrial IOT, and Mobile products are impacted across various versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The buffer over-read is triggered by a lack of proper validation of IE sizes in network requests, potentially leading to data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to address and prevent vulnerabilities similar to CVE-2021-1981.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply patches and updates provided by Qualcomm to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network security best practices and monitoring network traffic can help mitigate the risk of such vulnerabilities in the long run.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm to stay informed about patches and security enhancements.