CVE-2024-45579: CWE-20 Improper Input Validation in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Memory corruption may occur when invoking IOCTL calls from userspace to the camera kernel driver to dump request information, due to a missing memory requirement check.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-45579 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, including FastConnect 6900, 7800, SDM429W, Snapdragon 429 Mobile Platform, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, and several wireless connectivity modules such as WCD9380, WCN3620, WCN3660B, WSA8830, and WSA8835. The issue stems from a missing memory requirement check during IOCTL calls from userspace to the camera kernel driver, specifically when dumping request information. This improper validation can lead to memory corruption, which may be exploited by an attacker with local privileges to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require low-level privileges (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H) with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. Although no public exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability poses a serious risk due to the widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets in mobile devices worldwide. The flaw highlights the criticality of validating input parameters in kernel drivers, especially those exposed to userspace through IOCTL interfaces. Qualcomm and device manufacturers are expected to release patches to address this issue, but until then, affected devices remain vulnerable to local privilege escalation and memory corruption attacks.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access and low privileges to trigger memory corruption in the camera kernel driver, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device. Given the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, the impact is significant globally. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent control over devices, access sensitive user data, or disrupt device functionality. Enterprises relying on mobile devices for sensitive communications or operations face risks of data breaches and operational disruptions. The absence of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation. Although no known exploits exist currently, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime candidate for future exploitation, especially in targeted attacks or malware campaigns.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm and device vendor advisories closely for official patches addressing CVE-2024-45579 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong device access controls, including disabling unnecessary local accounts and restricting physical access. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious local activity or privilege escalation attempts. 4. Limit the use of applications or processes that require direct IOCTL calls to the camera kernel driver, reducing the attack surface. 5. Implement kernel-level integrity monitoring and exploit mitigation technologies such as Control Flow Integrity (CFI) and Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) to hinder exploitation. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 7. For organizations developing custom firmware or device drivers, conduct thorough input validation and memory checks on all IOCTL interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Affected Countries
United States, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Russia, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Indonesia
CVE-2024-45579: CWE-20 Improper Input Validation in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Description
Memory corruption may occur when invoking IOCTL calls from userspace to the camera kernel driver to dump request information, due to a missing memory requirement check.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-45579 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, including FastConnect 6900, 7800, SDM429W, Snapdragon 429 Mobile Platform, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, and several wireless connectivity modules such as WCD9380, WCN3620, WCN3660B, WSA8830, and WSA8835. The issue stems from a missing memory requirement check during IOCTL calls from userspace to the camera kernel driver, specifically when dumping request information. This improper validation can lead to memory corruption, which may be exploited by an attacker with local privileges to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require low-level privileges (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H) with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed. Although no public exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability poses a serious risk due to the widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets in mobile devices worldwide. The flaw highlights the criticality of validating input parameters in kernel drivers, especially those exposed to userspace through IOCTL interfaces. Qualcomm and device manufacturers are expected to release patches to address this issue, but until then, affected devices remain vulnerable to local privilege escalation and memory corruption attacks.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access and low privileges to trigger memory corruption in the camera kernel driver, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device. Given the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, the impact is significant globally. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent control over devices, access sensitive user data, or disrupt device functionality. Enterprises relying on mobile devices for sensitive communications or operations face risks of data breaches and operational disruptions. The absence of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation. Although no known exploits exist currently, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime candidate for future exploitation, especially in targeted attacks or malware campaigns.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm and device vendor advisories closely for official patches addressing CVE-2024-45579 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict local access to devices by enforcing strong device access controls, including disabling unnecessary local accounts and restricting physical access. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious local activity or privilege escalation attempts. 4. Limit the use of applications or processes that require direct IOCTL calls to the camera kernel driver, reducing the attack surface. 5. Implement kernel-level integrity monitoring and exploit mitigation technologies such as Control Flow Integrity (CFI) and Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) to hinder exploitation. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 7. For organizations developing custom firmware or device drivers, conduct thorough input validation and memory checks on all IOCTL interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- qualcomm
- Date Reserved
- 2024-09-02T10:26:15.227Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682d981bc4522896dcbd9c8a
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:43 AM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 8:22:57 PM
Last updated: 3/24/2026, 11:05:30 PM
Views: 63
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