CVE-2021-1906 Qualcomm Multiple Chipsets: software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Nov 17, 2021
What to do
- Install Qualcomm's security update for Multiple Chipsets. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Qualcomm Multiple Chipsets Detection of Error Condition Without Action Vulnerability
- Product
- Qualcomm Multiple Chipsets
- CISA description
- Multiple Qualcomm chipsets contain a detection of error condition without action vulnerability when improper handling of address deregistration on failure can lead to new GPU address allocation failure.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-390)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- Nov 17, 2021
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Answering about CVE-2021-1906 ·
Questions about CVE-2021-1906
Is CVE-2021-1906 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-1906 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2021-1906?
Install Qualcomm's security update for Multiple Chipsets. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2021-1906?
Only if you use Qualcomm Multiple Chipsets. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.