CVE-2024-45580 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 that affects a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and wireless connectivity components. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management when processing multiple IOCTL (Input/Output Control) calls originating from userspace applications. Specifically, the flaw leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or cause system instability and denial of service. The affected products include various Snapdragon mobile platforms such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Snapdragon 429 Mobile Platform, AR platforms (AR1 Gen 1, AR2 Gen 1), and multiple wireless connectivity modules (e.g., FastConnect 6900/7800, WCN series, WSA series). The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with an attack vector limited to local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact covers confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread deployment of affected Qualcomm components in smartphones, AR devices, and IoT products. The vulnerability was reserved in early September 2024 and published in March 2025, with no patches currently available, highlighting the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. The root cause involves unsafe handling of multiple IOCTL calls, which are interfaces used by user applications to communicate with kernel drivers, making it a critical kernel-level security issue.

The impact of CVE-2024-45580 is substantial due to the broad range of affected Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms widely used in smartphones, augmented reality devices, and wireless connectivity modules. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution at elevated privileges, allowing attackers to compromise device confidentiality by accessing sensitive user data, integrity by modifying system components or data, and availability by causing crashes or denial of service. This can facilitate further attacks such as persistent malware installation, espionage, or disruption of critical communications. The requirement for local access and low privileges lowers the barrier for attackers who have gained initial foothold on the device, such as through malicious apps or compromised user accounts. The absence of user interaction simplifies exploitation scenarios. Given the ubiquity of Snapdragon chips in consumer and enterprise mobile devices globally, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to individual users, enterprises, and government agencies relying on these platforms for secure communications and operations. The lack of patches increases the window of exposure, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation and monitoring.

1. Restrict access to IOCTL interfaces: Limit which users and applications can invoke IOCTL calls on affected devices by enforcing strict access controls and permissions. 2. Employ privilege separation: Ensure that untrusted or less-privileged applications cannot directly interact with kernel drivers handling IOCTL calls. 3. Use runtime memory protection: Enable and enforce kernel-level memory protection mechanisms such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), Supervisor Mode Access Prevention (SMAP), and Supervisor Mode Execution Prevention (SMEP) to mitigate exploitation impact. 4. Monitor device behavior: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual IOCTL call patterns or memory corruption symptoms. 5. Apply vendor patches promptly: Monitor Qualcomm and device OEM advisories for patches addressing CVE-2024-45580 and deploy them as soon as they become available. 6. Limit installation of untrusted applications: Enforce application whitelisting and restrict installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce the risk of local privilege escalation. 7. Conduct regular security audits: Review device configurations and kernel driver interfaces for potential misuse or vulnerabilities. 8. For enterprise deployments, consider network segmentation and device management policies to isolate vulnerable devices until patched.