CVE-2024-45562 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) identified in multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and related wireless connectivity chipsets. The root cause is a memory corruption issue triggered by concurrent access to a server info object where a critical field is not properly protected, leading to unsafe memory operations. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm products, including Snapdragon mobile platforms (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Snapdragon 888 series), automotive platforms, wearable platforms, and various FastConnect and modem RF systems. The flaw arises when multiple threads or processes access and modify shared data structures without adequate synchronization, causing the system to reference memory that has already been freed. Exploitation could allow an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by corrupting memory. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.6 (medium severity), reflecting high confidentiality impact, limited integrity and availability impact, low attack complexity, and the requirement for local privileges without user interaction. No known exploits are reported in the wild yet, and no patches have been linked, indicating that mitigation may currently rely on vendor updates or workarounds. The vulnerability is significant due to the widespread deployment of affected Qualcomm chipsets in smartphones, automotive systems, IoT devices, and wearables, which are integral to modern communications and critical infrastructure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk given the extensive use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in consumer devices, enterprise mobile endpoints, automotive telematics, and industrial IoT systems. Confidential data confidentiality could be compromised if attackers leverage this flaw to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code locally. In automotive contexts, exploitation could impact vehicle safety systems or telematics, potentially leading to operational disruptions or safety hazards. The vulnerability's ability to cause memory corruption also risks denial of service, which could affect critical communication infrastructure and enterprise mobile device availability. Since many European enterprises rely on mobile platforms for secure communications and remote work, exploitation could undermine data protection and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. The lack of user interaction required for exploitation increases the threat level in environments where local access is possible, such as shared workspaces or compromised devices. Overall, the vulnerability threatens confidentiality and system stability across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, automotive, and industrial control systems prevalent in Europe.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on applying official patches or firmware updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers as soon as they become available. 2. Organizations should inventory all devices using affected Qualcomm chipsets, including mobile phones, automotive systems, IoT devices, and wearables, to assess exposure. 3. Employ strict access controls to limit local user privileges, reducing the risk of exploitation by low-privileged attackers. 4. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous memory corruption behaviors or suspicious local process activities. 5. For automotive and industrial IoT deployments, ensure network segmentation and restrict physical and remote access to vulnerable devices. 6. Encourage device vendors and automotive manufacturers to prioritize security updates and communicate patch availability promptly. 7. Conduct security awareness training to alert users about risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of device hygiene. 8. Where patching is delayed, consider deploying runtime memory protection technologies or application sandboxing to mitigate exploitation impact. 9. Monitor cybersecurity advisories and threat intelligence feeds for emerging exploit techniques targeting this vulnerability.