CVE-2020-11157:Denial of Service vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon components due to improper handling of control messages during encryption.

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CVE-2020-11157 affects multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms including Auto, Connectivity, Consumer Electronics, IOT, Mobile, Voice & Music, and Wearables product lines. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper handling of unexpected control messages while encryption is in progress, which can terminate connections and lead to a denial of service condition. This affects numerous chipset models including APQ8053, APQ8076, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8905, MSM8917, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, QCA6174A, QCA9886, QCM2150, QM215, SDM429, SDM439, SDM450, and SDM632.

Overview

This vulnerability exists in the encryption handling mechanism of various Qualcomm Snapdragon components. When unexpected control messages are received while encryption is in progress, the system fails to handle them properly, resulting in connection termination. This behavior can be exploited to cause a denial of service condition, potentially disrupting normal operation of affected devices. The wide range of affected platforms indicates this is a fundamental issue in Qualcomm's encryption implementation across multiple product lines and chipset generations.

Remediation

Users and device manufacturers should:

  1. Apply the latest security patches provided by Qualcomm for affected chipsets
  2. Update device firmware to versions that include fixes for this vulnerability
  3. Monitor Qualcomm's security bulletins for additional information about patches
  4. Contact device manufacturers to ensure appropriate updates are available if using devices with affected chipsets
  5. Implement network-level protections to reduce the risk of exploitation until patches can be applied

References

  1. Qualcomm Product Security Bulletin - October 2020 https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/october-2020-bulletin (Note: This link may no longer be active; users should check Qualcomm's current security bulletin archive)

  2. Affected chipsets: APQ8053, APQ8076, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8905, MSM8917, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, QCA6174A, QCA9886, QCM2150, QM215, SDM429, SDM439, SDM450, SDM632

  3. Affected product lines: Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database