CVE-2024-53023 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416, discovered in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and related platforms. The vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of memory during extended back-to-back tests, where a variable is accessed after it has been freed, leading to memory corruption. This flaw affects a wide array of Qualcomm products, including mobile platforms (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 680 4G), modem-RF systems (e.g., Snapdragon X35, X72, X75), wearable platforms (e.g., Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1), automotive platforms, and various wireless connectivity chipsets. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack requires local access with low complexity, privileges, and no user interaction, but can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is currently published with no known exploits in the wild and no patches publicly available yet. The root cause is a use-after-free condition that can be triggered during specific testing scenarios, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Given the extensive list of affected Qualcomm products, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to a broad spectrum of devices relying on Snapdragon chipsets.

The impact of CVE-2024-53023 is substantial due to the widespread deployment of affected Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms in smartphones, wearables, automotive systems, and IoT devices globally. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of device confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers with local access and low privileges could execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause persistent denial of service conditions. This could result in unauthorized data access, manipulation, or device bricking. For enterprises, this vulnerability threatens the security of mobile endpoints, connected vehicles, and critical infrastructure relying on Qualcomm hardware. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of automated or stealthy attacks. Although no exploits are known currently, the vulnerability’s nature and broad impact make it a high-priority risk for organizations and device manufacturers worldwide.

1. Monitor Qualcomm’s official channels for patches and apply them promptly once released to affected devices and platforms. 2. Implement strict memory management and runtime protections such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) where supported by the platform. 3. Limit local access to devices by enforcing strong authentication and access controls to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous memory corruption behaviors. 5. For organizations managing fleets of devices, conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on Qualcomm hardware components. 6. Collaborate with device vendors to ensure timely firmware and software updates are deployed. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of applying security updates. 8. Consider network segmentation and device isolation strategies to limit potential lateral movement if a device is compromised.