CVE-2021-1896 in Snapdragon Compute
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2021
Weak configuration in WLAN could cause forwarding of unencrypted packets from one client to another in Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2021
This vulnerability resides in the wireless local area network configuration of Qualcomm Snapdragon Compute and Snapdragon Connectivity platforms, representing a significant security weakness that could compromise network communications. The flaw manifests when the wireless access point fails to properly configure encryption settings, creating a scenario where unencrypted packets can be forwarded between client devices within the same network segment. This configuration issue directly violates fundamental wireless security principles and creates an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to intercept sensitive data or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the underlying hardware platform rather than a specific software application, making it more pervasive and difficult to remediate across different device implementations.
The technical implementation of this weakness stems from improper handling of wireless network configuration parameters during the association process between client devices and access points. When the wireless network is configured without proper encryption protocols or when encryption settings are incorrectly applied, the system fails to properly isolate client communications. This creates a forwarding mechanism where packets intended for one client can be inadvertently transmitted to another client within the same network domain, bypassing normal security boundaries. The flaw operates at the data link layer of the network stack, specifically affecting the wireless medium access control and the packet forwarding mechanisms that govern how data flows between networked devices. According to the CWE taxonomy, this vulnerability maps to CWE-310 which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in wireless network configurations, and more specifically to CWE-312 which deals with the exposure of sensitive data through improper encryption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of wireless communications within affected devices. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform passive eavesdropping on unencrypted traffic, potentially accessing sensitive information such as login credentials, personal communications, financial data, or proprietary business information. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices that rely on these connectivity chips. This creates a substantial risk for organizations and individuals who depend on wireless communications, as the attack vector requires minimal sophistication to exploit. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1041 tactic for Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel and T1566 for Phishing, as adversaries can use this weakness to establish persistent surveillance capabilities or gain initial access to networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate configuration fixes and longer-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately verify that all wireless networks are properly configured with strong encryption protocols such as WPA3 or at minimum WPA2, ensuring that all client devices are properly authenticated and that network isolation mechanisms are functioning correctly. Device manufacturers must implement robust configuration validation procedures during the boot process and wireless association sequence to prevent improper encryption settings from being applied. Additionally, network administrators should deploy monitoring solutions that can detect unusual packet forwarding patterns or unauthorized network access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper security by design principles in wireless networking components, as outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for secure system development. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of wireless infrastructure should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.