CVE-2024-45564 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and related wireless connectivity chipsets. The root cause is a memory corruption issue triggered by incorrect reference count updates during concurrent access to a server info object. This flaw can lead to the use of freed memory, which attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code, cause denial of service, or escalate privileges. The vulnerability impacts numerous Snapdragon mobile platforms (including Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 865, 870, 888 series), FastConnect wireless subsystems, automotive and wearable platforms, and various Qualcomm modem and wireless connectivity chipsets. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring low privileges and no user interaction. While no exploits are currently known in the wild, the extensive range of affected devices and the critical nature of the flaw make it a significant threat. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Snapdragon chipsets are widely used in smartphones, IoT devices, automotive systems, and wearables, all of which are integral to modern digital infrastructure. The lack of publicly available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. Organizations relying on affected Qualcomm hardware should prioritize vulnerability assessment and remediation planning to prevent potential exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-45564 is substantial due to the widespread deployment of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in consumer mobile devices, enterprise IoT devices, automotive telematics, and wearable technology. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive corporate and personal data, while integrity violations might allow attackers to manipulate device behavior or firmware. Availability impacts could disrupt critical communications and services, especially in sectors like automotive, healthcare, and industrial IoT where Qualcomm platforms are embedded. The vulnerability could facilitate remote code execution or privilege escalation within devices, enabling attackers to establish persistent footholds or pivot into enterprise networks. Given the prevalence of Snapdragon-based devices among employees and customers, European organizations face increased risk of targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability to compromise endpoints or connected infrastructure. The automotive industry, which heavily utilizes Qualcomm platforms for connectivity and telematics, is particularly at risk of safety-critical disruptions. Additionally, the absence of known exploits currently does not preclude rapid weaponization, underscoring the need for proactive defense measures.

1. Immediate inventory and identification of all devices and systems using affected Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms within the organization’s environment, including mobile devices, IoT endpoints, automotive systems, and wearables. 2. Engage with device manufacturers and Qualcomm for timely patch releases and firmware updates addressing CVE-2024-45564; prioritize deployment of these patches as soon as they become available. 3. Implement network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable devices, especially those in critical infrastructure or sensitive environments. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavioral analytics to detect anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts targeting use-after-free vulnerabilities. 5. Restrict privileges on affected devices to the minimum necessary, reducing the impact of potential privilege escalation. 6. Monitor threat intelligence feeds and vulnerability advisories for updates on exploit development or active attacks related to this CVE. 7. For automotive and industrial IoT deployments, coordinate with vendors to apply mitigations and consider temporary operational controls to reduce risk until patches are applied. 8. Educate IT and security teams about the specific nature of this vulnerability to enhance incident response readiness and forensic capabilities.