Security experts from Check Point Research have discovered a critical vulnerability in Qualcomm chips. According to preliminary estimates, it can affect almost one in three Android smartphones.
A serious vulnerability was found in Qualcomm modems. Using it, attackers can gain remote access to an Android smartphone and inject malicious code directly into the modem, making it invisible from the point of view of the security systems of modern smartphones. As a result, with undetectable malware, hackers will be able to view call history, read messages, and even eavesdrop on users. They can also use this vulnerability to unlock the SIM card embedded in the device, thereby bypassing the restrictions imposed by the cellular operator.
Bug CVE-2020-11292 was found on the interface of a modem embedded in Qualcomm SoCs. Such solutions, according to analysts from Counterpoint Research, are installed in 31% of all Android smartphones in the world.
Qualcomm did not deny the existence of the vulnerability and thanked Check Point researchers for finding it. The company said that it is working on fixing the error and has already sent out the updated software to OEM-manufacturers of smartphones. A fix for the vulnerability will be included in the June Android Public Security Bulletin, but how soon smartphones receive the update will depend on the specific manufacturer.
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