CVE-2025-27034: CWE-129 Improper Validation of Array Index in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Memory corruption while selecting the PLMN from SOR failed list.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-27034 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, stemming from improper validation of array indexes (CWE-129). Specifically, the flaw occurs during the process of selecting the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) from the SOR (Selected Operator Reject) failed list, where an out-of-bounds array index can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability affects an extensive range of Qualcomm products, including numerous Snapdragon mobile platforms (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2), various FastConnect Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, multiple QCA and QCN wireless chipsets, and automotive modem-RF systems. The improper validation allows attackers to potentially overwrite memory, leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact and ease of exploitation: it requires no privileges, no user interaction, and can be exploited remotely over the network. Although no exploits have been publicly reported yet, the vulnerability's presence in critical communication components embedded in billions of devices worldwide makes it a significant threat. Qualcomm has published the vulnerability with no immediate patch links available, indicating that mitigation and patching efforts are likely underway but not yet broadly distributed.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-27034 is severe due to the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Snapdragon chipsets used in smartphones, IoT devices, automotive systems, and networking equipment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of affected devices, including unauthorized code execution, data theft, persistent backdoors, or device outages. This undermines the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems relying on these chipsets. Given the role of Snapdragon platforms in 5G modems and wireless connectivity, attackers could remotely exploit this flaw without user interaction or authentication, increasing the risk of large-scale attacks. Critical infrastructure relying on connected devices, such as smart cities, automotive telematics, and industrial IoT, could face operational disruptions or espionage. The broad product range affected amplifies the potential attack surface, making this vulnerability a significant concern for global organizations and consumers alike.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm advisories closely and apply official patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available for all affected Snapdragon platforms and associated modules. 2. For organizations deploying devices with affected chipsets, implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks, especially restricting access to cellular modem interfaces where possible. 3. Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect anomalous traffic patterns targeting cellular and wireless communication protocols. 4. Collaborate with device manufacturers and carriers to ensure timely rollout of security updates and validate patch deployment. 5. For critical environments, consider deploying endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts or abnormal device behavior indicative of memory corruption exploits. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risk and encourage prompt installation of updates on mobile and IoT devices. 7. In the absence of immediate patches, temporarily disable or restrict features related to PLMN selection or SOR list handling if feasible, to reduce attack vectors.
Affected Countries
United States, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Russia, Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, Mexico
CVE-2025-27034: CWE-129 Improper Validation of Array Index in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Description
Memory corruption while selecting the PLMN from SOR failed list.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-27034 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, stemming from improper validation of array indexes (CWE-129). Specifically, the flaw occurs during the process of selecting the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) from the SOR (Selected Operator Reject) failed list, where an out-of-bounds array index can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability affects an extensive range of Qualcomm products, including numerous Snapdragon mobile platforms (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2), various FastConnect Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, multiple QCA and QCN wireless chipsets, and automotive modem-RF systems. The improper validation allows attackers to potentially overwrite memory, leading to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact and ease of exploitation: it requires no privileges, no user interaction, and can be exploited remotely over the network. Although no exploits have been publicly reported yet, the vulnerability's presence in critical communication components embedded in billions of devices worldwide makes it a significant threat. Qualcomm has published the vulnerability with no immediate patch links available, indicating that mitigation and patching efforts are likely underway but not yet broadly distributed.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-27034 is severe due to the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Snapdragon chipsets used in smartphones, IoT devices, automotive systems, and networking equipment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of affected devices, including unauthorized code execution, data theft, persistent backdoors, or device outages. This undermines the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems relying on these chipsets. Given the role of Snapdragon platforms in 5G modems and wireless connectivity, attackers could remotely exploit this flaw without user interaction or authentication, increasing the risk of large-scale attacks. Critical infrastructure relying on connected devices, such as smart cities, automotive telematics, and industrial IoT, could face operational disruptions or espionage. The broad product range affected amplifies the potential attack surface, making this vulnerability a significant concern for global organizations and consumers alike.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm advisories closely and apply official patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available for all affected Snapdragon platforms and associated modules. 2. For organizations deploying devices with affected chipsets, implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks, especially restricting access to cellular modem interfaces where possible. 3. Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect anomalous traffic patterns targeting cellular and wireless communication protocols. 4. Collaborate with device manufacturers and carriers to ensure timely rollout of security updates and validate patch deployment. 5. For critical environments, consider deploying endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts or abnormal device behavior indicative of memory corruption exploits. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risk and encourage prompt installation of updates on mobile and IoT devices. 7. In the absence of immediate patches, temporarily disable or restrict features related to PLMN selection or SOR list handling if feasible, to reduce attack vectors.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- qualcomm
- Date Reserved
- 2025-02-18T09:19:46.883Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68d41181d0cbc63b6d41b278
Added to database: 9/24/2025, 3:42:57 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 1:21:41 AM
Last updated: 3/26/2026, 11:09:15 AM
Views: 158
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