CVE-2023-33043 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information on CVE-2023-33043, a Transient DOS vulnerability affecting certain Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms.

Understanding CVE-2023-33043

CVE-2023-33043 is a security vulnerability that can lead to a Transient DOS condition in the modem of affected Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms when a Beam switch request is made with a non-configured Bandwidth Part (BWP).

What is CVE-2023-33043?

The CVE-2023-33043 vulnerability results in a Transient Denial of Service (DOS) scenario in the modem due to a specific condition related to handling Beam switch requests with non-configured BWP, potentially impacting the availability of the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-33043

The impact of CVE-2023-33043 is rated as high, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction, affecting the availability of the systems running the affected Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-33043

The affected platforms include various Snapdragon products and versions that utilize Qualcomm modem technology. Some of the impacted versions include AR8035, FastConnect series, QCA and QCM series, Snapdragon Mobile Platforms, and more.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises when a Beam switch request is initiated with a non-configured BWP, leading to a temporary DOS state in the modem of the impacted devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Several Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms are affected, including Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 & Gen 2, Snapdragon 888 series, Snapdragon 8 series, and others listed in the CVE details.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-33043 involves generating specific Beam switch requests with non-configured BWP settings to trigger the transient DOS condition in the modem, affecting device functionality.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-33043, immediate mitigation steps should be taken to prevent exploitation and ensure the security of impacted Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply patches or updates provided by Qualcomm to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential DOS incidents on affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities, and staying informed about security advisories can help enhance the long-term security posture of Qualcomm Snapdragon devices.

Patching and Updates

Qualcomm has released security bulletins detailing the CVE-2023-33043 vulnerability and providing patches or updates to address the issue. Regularly applying these patches can help protect the affected systems from potential exploitation.