CVE-2024-33070 Overview
CVE-2024-33070 is a transient denial-of-service vulnerability in Qualcomm WLAN firmware. The flaw occurs while parsing the Estimated Service Parameters (ESP) Information Element (IE) from 802.11 beacon and probe response frames. An attacker within wireless range can transmit a malformed frame to trigger an out-of-bounds memory read, causing the affected device's WLAN subsystem to crash.
The vulnerability affects multiple Qualcomm chipsets used in automotive, IoT, and mobile connectivity products. Qualcomm published the fix in its October 2024 security bulletin. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-126] (Buffer Over-read) and [CWE-125] (Out-of-Bounds Read).
Critical Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker on the same wireless medium can repeatedly disrupt Wi-Fi connectivity on affected Qualcomm-based devices by broadcasting crafted beacon or probe response frames.
Affected Products
- Qualcomm QCA6574AU and QCA6574A WLAN firmware (automotive connectivity SoCs)
- Qualcomm QCA6564AU and QCA6564A WLAN firmware
- Qualcomm MDM9628 modem firmware
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-07 - CVE-2024-33070 published to NVD
- 2024-10-07 - Qualcomm October 2024 Security Bulletin released
- 2024-10-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-33070
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the WLAN firmware code that parses the ESP IE from 802.11 management frames. ESP IEs advertise estimated airtime, data rates, and access category parameters to assist clients with QoS decisions. The parser fails to validate the length field of the ESP IE before reading attribute fields from the frame buffer.
When a beacon or probe response contains a truncated or malformed ESP IE, the firmware reads bytes past the declared element boundary. This out-of-bounds read corrupts internal state and triggers a fault in the WLAN host driver context, producing a transient denial of service. Recovery typically requires a WLAN subsystem restart, which interrupts connectivity.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds validation on the length byte of the ESP IE before dereferencing attribute fields. The parser trusts the attacker-controlled length value embedded in the management frame instead of clamping it against the remaining frame buffer. This pattern matches [CWE-125] (Out-of-Bounds Read) and the more specific [CWE-126] (Buffer Over-read).
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires no authentication and no user interaction. The attacker only needs to be within radio range of a vulnerable station so the device processes the malicious beacon or probe response. Because beacon frames are unauthenticated and accepted from any nearby transmitter, an attacker can spoof an access point and broadcast crafted frames continuously to keep target devices in a DoS state.
The vulnerability does not allow code execution, privilege escalation, or data disclosure. Impact is confined to availability of the wireless interface. Refer to the Qualcomm Security Bulletin October 2024 for technical scoping.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-33070
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated WLAN firmware crashes, subsystem restarts, or SSR events logged by the host driver
- Recurring disconnections on Qualcomm-based stations while nearby beacon traffic is present
- Beacon or probe response frames containing ESP IEs (Element ID 174) with length fields inconsistent with the trailing payload
Detection Strategies
- Capture 802.11 management frames with a monitor-mode sniffer and inspect ESP IE length fields against actual attribute counts
- Correlate kernel log entries showing WLAN subsystem restarts with timestamps of nearby beacon floods
- Flag rogue SSIDs broadcasting beacons with malformed information elements as part of wireless intrusion detection (WIDS)
Monitoring Recommendations
- Deploy WIDS sensors on facility perimeters to alert on beacon floods or anomalous IE structures
- Forward host WLAN driver logs and subsystem restart events to a central SIEM for correlation
- Track firmware versions across fleet inventories and alert when devices remain on pre-October 2024 Qualcomm baselines
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-33070
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the October 2024 Qualcomm firmware update through the OEM update channel for each affected device
- Identify automotive, IoT, and embedded assets using QCA6574AU, QCA6574A, QCA6564AU, QCA6564A, or MDM9628 components and prioritize patching
- Restrict use of vulnerable devices in untrusted RF environments until firmware updates are deployed
Patch Information
Qualcomm released fixes in the October 2024 security bulletin. OEMs must integrate the patched WLAN firmware into their device images and distribute it through their normal update mechanism. Consult the Qualcomm Security Bulletin October 2024 for the affected component matrix and required firmware revisions.
Workarounds
- Disable Wi-Fi on affected devices when operating in areas where rogue beacon transmission is plausible
- Enforce connections to known SSIDs only and limit passive scanning where the device firmware allows
- Deploy WIDS to detect and physically locate sources broadcasting malformed beacon frames, then remove them from the RF environment
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
