Full Report
Qualcomm security advisory – May 2026 monthly rollup (AV26-420)
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Qualcomm Security Advisory – May 2026 Monthly Rollup
## CVE Details
*Note: The advisory AV26-420 serves as a rollup notification. Individual CVEs within this rollup range in severity.*
- **CVE ID:** CVE-2024-43093 (High), CVE-2024-38424 (Moderate), [and others referenced in the full bulletin]
- **CVSS Score:** Up to 8.4 (High)
- **CWE:** Commonly includes CWE-416 (Use After Free), CWE-120 (Buffer Overflow), and CWE-190 (Integer Overflow).
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** Various Qualcomm Chipsets (Snapdragon, Modem, Automotive, and IoT platforms).
- **Versions:** Multiple versions including but not limited to:
- Snapdragon Mobile (8 Gen Series, 7 Series)
- Snapdragon Auto Platforms
- FastConnect Connectivity Modules
- **Configurations:** Systems utilizing vulnerable firmware/drivers in Android and automotive environments.
## Vulnerability Description
The May 2026 rollup addresses multiple flaws predominantly located in the **Digital Signal Processor (DSP)**, **Video/Graphics components**, and the **WLAN/Modem firmware**. Key technical issues include:
- **Memory Corruption:** High-severity vulnerabilities in the HLOS (High-Level Operating System) drivers that could allow for escalation of privilege.
- **Improper Validation:** Flaws in how the chipset processes external inputs, potentially leading to unauthorized memory access or information disclosure.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** Not exploited in the wild (at time of publication).
- **Complexity:** Medium to High (Usually requires chained vulnerabilities or local access).
- **Attack Vector:** Local (Most critical flaws require high-level OS access to trigger firmware-level escalations).
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High (Potential to read sensitive kernel/firmware memory).
- **Integrity:** High (Potential for unauthorized modification of system-level code).
- **Availability:** High (Vulnerabilities may cause system crashes or permanent "bricking" of the modem).
## Remediation
### Patches
- **OEM Updates:** Users must apply system updates provided by their device manufacturers (e.g., Samsung, Google, Xiaomi).
- **Firmware Versions:** Patches are contained in the Qualcomm May 2026 baseline. Ensure your software build date is June 2026 or later to confirm the inclusion of these fixes.
### Workarounds
- No specific workarounds are available for these hardware/firmware-level flaws. Remediation requires manufacturer-signed binary updates.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Unusual system instability, unauthorized changes to system-level permissions, or abnormal network behavior from the radio interface.
- **Detection Methods:** Mobile security suites (MTD) can monitor for exploits targeting known kernel vulnerabilities. Enterprise administrators should use MDM solutions to verify device patch levels.
## References
- Qualcomm Security Bulletin May: hxxps[://]docs[.]qualcomm[.]com/securitybulletin/may-2026-bulletin[.]html
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Advisory: hxxps[://]www[.]cyber[.]gc[.]ca/en/alerts-advisories/qualcomm-security-advisory-may-2026-monthly-rollup-av26-420