CVE Alert: CVE-2025-21482 – Qualcomm, Inc. – Snapdragon
CVE-2025-21482
Cryptographic issue while performing RSA PKCS padding decoding.
AI Summary Analysis
Risk verdict
High risk: a cryptographic issue in RSA PKCS padding decoding on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms could affect confidentiality and integrity, with exploitation feasible from local access; remediation should be pursued promptly.
Why this matters
Critical cryptographic weakness in widely deployed system-on-chips may enable leakage of decrypted data or tampered data within affected devices. The broad product family spans mobile, automotive, IoT and embedded devices, increasing the potential blast radius across customer fleets, supply chains and end-user endpoints.
Most likely attack path
An attacker with local access and low privileges could trigger vulnerable RSA PKCS padding handling to glean information or corrupt cryptographic outcomes. The absence of user interaction lowers barriers once initial foothold is gained, and the attack remains contained to the compromised device unless exposed crypto materials or keys are exfiltrated for broader abuse.
Who is most exposed
Any deployment using Qualcomm Snapdragon cryptographic libraries across mobile, automotive, IoT and wearables is affected; the breadth of platforms implies both consumer devices and industrial/vehicle systems are at risk.
Detection ideas
- Monitor cryptographic library errors focusing on RSA PKCS padding decode failures.
- Look for abnormal spikes in cryptographic operations or relays to the RSA path.
- Track crashes or exceptions in security modules tied to PKCS decoding.
- Correlate with unusual data decryption or integrity-check failures on affected platforms.
- Review logs for repeated, failed padding checks from local processes.
Mitigation and prioritisation
- Apply vendor advisories and update affected Snapdragon components to patched releases; coordinate with device firmware/hardware teams for timely deployment.
- If patches are unavailable, implement compensating controls: restrict physical access, enforce robust device hardening, disable or sandbox vulnerable cryptographic pathways, and use hardware-backed key protection where feasible.
- Initiate change-management: schedule remediation in maintenance windows, test compatibility with critical apps, and communicate timelines to stakeholders.
- Given the CVSS impact, treat as a priority 2 in environments with high local-access risk or sensitive data handling; escalate to priority 1 if KEV or EPSS indicators later become available.
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