CVE-2025-21465 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) affecting a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon products, including various mobile platforms, modems, connectivity modules, and IoT devices. The vulnerability arises during the processing of the hash segment in an MBN (Modem Binary) file, which is a firmware image format used by Qualcomm devices. Specifically, an out-of-bounds read occurs, which can lead to information disclosure. This means that when the affected device parses the hash segment of an MBN file, it may read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L) and low privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impact is high on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects an extensive list of Qualcomm Snapdragon products spanning mobile platforms (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen series, 7 series, 4 series), modems (e.g., X50, X55, X65), connectivity modules (FastConnect series), and specialized platforms (Robotics, Automotive, XR, Wearables). Given the wide product range, this vulnerability potentially impacts a large number of devices globally that incorporate Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and modems. The root cause is improper bounds checking when handling the hash segment in MBN files, which could be triggered by a crafted or malformed MBN file. Since MBN files are typically used during firmware updates or device provisioning, exploitation would likely require local access or privileged capabilities to supply a malicious MBN file to the device. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers with limited privileges on the device to extract sensitive information from memory, which may include cryptographic keys, user data, or other confidential information. However, exploitation does not allow code execution or denial of service directly. The absence of patches or mitigations at the time of publication necessitates cautious handling of firmware updates and device provisioning processes involving MBN files.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-21465 is significant due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in smartphones, IoT devices, automotive systems, and industrial equipment. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive corporate data, cryptographic keys, or personal information stored or processed on affected devices. Industries relying on connected devices, such as telecommunications, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may face increased risks of data leakage or espionage. The vulnerability's local attack vector implies that attackers would need some level of access to the device, which could be achieved through insider threats, compromised endpoints, or supply chain attacks involving malicious firmware. The broad product impact means that many devices in use across European enterprises and consumers could be vulnerable, potentially undermining trust in device security and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR. Additionally, the vulnerability could affect embedded systems in automotive and industrial control systems, where confidentiality is critical for safety and operational integrity. Although no known exploits exist yet, the medium severity and high confidentiality impact warrant proactive risk management and mitigation to prevent future exploitation.

1. Implement strict validation and integrity checks on MBN firmware files before deployment, ensuring only authentic and verified firmware is accepted by devices. 2. Restrict access to firmware update mechanisms and provisioning interfaces to trusted personnel and systems, employing strong authentication and authorization controls. 3. Monitor device logs and firmware update processes for anomalies or unauthorized attempts to load MBN files. 4. Coordinate with Qualcomm and device manufacturers for timely release and application of security patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. 5. For organizations managing fleets of devices, deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting suspicious local activities related to firmware handling. 6. Conduct security audits and penetration testing focusing on firmware update processes and local privilege escalation vectors to identify potential exploitation paths. 7. Educate technical staff on secure firmware management practices and the risks associated with out-of-bounds vulnerabilities. 8. Where feasible, isolate critical devices or systems using affected Qualcomm products from untrusted networks or users to reduce the risk of local exploitation.