CVE Alert: CVE-2025-21481 – Qualcomm, Inc. – Snapdragon
CVE-2025-21481
Memory corruption while performing private key encryption in trusted application.
AI Summary Analysis
Risk verdict
High risk: local attacker with low privileges could trigger memory corruption in the trusted encryption path, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the trusted domain.
Why this matters
Memory corruption in cryptographic handling on widely deployed Snapdragon platforms could expose cryptographic keys, undermine data integrity, or disrupt device operation across mobile, IoT and automotive use cases. The broad device surface increases the chance of prolific exploitation if a patch is delayed.
Most likely attack path
An attacker who already has local code execution targets the private key encryption routine in the high‑level OS (HLOS). By submitting crafted input to the cryptographic function, a classic buffer overflow could occur, enabling code execution within the trusted context. No user interaction is required, and the vulnerability’s impact spans confidentiality, integrity and availability if the attacker gains control of the crypto path.
Who is most exposed
Any device using Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms performing private key operations in trusted applications—mobile phones, wearables, IoT, automotive and industrial systems—presents exposure, especially where crypto services are exposed to third‑party apps.
Detection ideas
- Crashes or hangs in the cryptographic/private key path during encryption.
- Memory corruption or kernel crash dumps referencing the crypto module.
- Unusual long‑running crypto operations or unexpected input lengths triggering faults.
- New or repeated stack traces showing buffer overflow signs in the HLOS crypto code.
- Anomalous attempts to invoke private key encryption from untrusted apps.
Mitigation and prioritisation
- Apply vendor patch from the latest Qualcomm security bulletin; coordinate with device OEMs to roll firmware updates.
- If patching lags, disable or tightly sandbox the vulnerable crypto API; enforce strict input validation on the encryption path.
- Strengthen memory safety practices around crypto handling; enable ASLR and robust crash reporting.
- Audit and limit third‑party access to private key operations; enforce signed, verified apps only.
- Schedule patch deployment and testing; monitor for related cryptographic anomalies. If KEV or EPSS data later indicate high exploitation likelihood, elevate to priority 1.
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