CVE-2026-25289 Overview
CVE-2026-25289 is a stack-based buffer overflow [CWE-121] in Qualcomm firmware that processes Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) Service Discovery Frames. The vulnerability triggers when the parser handles Device Capability Extended attributes containing invalid length values. An attacker within Wi-Fi range can transmit a malformed NAN frame to corrupt memory on the target device. The scope is changed, meaning the compromised wireless subsystem can affect components beyond its own security boundary. Qualcomm published details in the August 2026 Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
Adjacent-network attackers can trigger memory corruption in the Wi-Fi firmware without authentication or user interaction, enabling potential arbitrary code execution across the device.
Affected Products
- Qualcomm chipsets implementing NAN (Wi-Fi Aware) functionality
- Devices integrating affected Qualcomm Wi-Fi firmware components
- Refer to the Qualcomm August 2026 Security Bulletin for the full component list
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-04 - CVE-2026-25289 published to NVD
- 2026-08-06 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-25289
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in the Qualcomm Wi-Fi firmware routine that parses Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) Service Discovery Frames. NAN is a Wi-Fi Alliance protocol that enables device-to-device discovery without an access point. The parser reads a Device Capability Extended attribute and trusts the length field embedded in the frame. When the length value exceeds the destination buffer, the copy operation overwrites adjacent stack memory. This corruption can overwrite return addresses or function pointers held on the stack.
The classification as [CWE-121] Stack-based Buffer Overflow indicates the bounded buffer resides on the call stack. Successful exploitation grants an attacker the ability to redirect execution within the wireless firmware context. Because the impact scope changes, code executing in the Wi-Fi subsystem can influence the host operating system.
Root Cause
The firmware performs insufficient validation of attribute length fields before copying data into a fixed-size stack buffer. The parser accepts attacker-controlled length values without verifying they fit within the destination allocation. This missing bounds check allows an oversized payload to overwrite adjacent stack frames.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires the attacker to be within radio range of the target device with NAN enabled. No authentication or user interaction is required. The attacker crafts a malformed NAN Service Discovery Frame containing a Device Capability Extended attribute with an invalid length value and transmits it over the air. Devices with Wi-Fi Aware active process the frame and trigger the memory corruption.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is available at the time of publication. See the Qualcomm August 2026 Security Bulletin for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25289
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Wi-Fi firmware crashes, resets, or watchdog events on devices with NAN enabled
- Kernel or driver logs referencing NAN Service Discovery Frame parsing failures
- Anomalous Wi-Fi Aware traffic on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channels in areas without expected NAN peers
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for repeated Wi-Fi subsystem restarts on Qualcomm-based devices
- Capture 802.11 management frames in sensitive environments and inspect NAN attribute length fields for values that exceed advertised frame sizes
- Correlate device crash reports with proximity events to identify potential radio-range attacks
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track patch status of Qualcomm-based mobile fleets against the August 2026 Security Bulletin
- Alert on devices reporting firmware versions predating the vendor fix
- Review wireless intrusion detection sensor logs for malformed NAN frames in high-value locations
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25289
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply vendor firmware updates referenced in the Qualcomm August 2026 Security Bulletin as soon as OEM builds are available
- Inventory Qualcomm-based devices in the environment and prioritize patching for mobile and IoT endpoints that expose NAN
- Coordinate with device OEMs and mobile carriers to confirm patch delivery timelines
Patch Information
Qualcomm has published fixed firmware in the August 2026 Security Bulletin. Downstream OEMs must integrate the updated firmware into device system images and deliver the patch through their standard update channels. Confirm remediation by verifying the security patch level advertised by the device after update.
Workarounds
- Disable Wi-Fi Aware (NAN) functionality where the feature is not required, using MDM policies or platform settings
- Turn off Wi-Fi on affected devices in untrusted physical environments until the patch is applied
- Restrict use of unpatched devices in high-risk locations where adjacent-network attackers may operate
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
