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CVE Record

CVE-2018-20449: The hidma_chan_stats function in drivers/dma/qcom/hidma_dbg.c in the Linux kernel 4.14.90 allows local user...

The hidma_chan_stats function in drivers/dma/qcom/hidma_dbg.c in the Linux kernel 4.14.90 allows local users to obtain sensitive address information by reading "callback=" lines in a debugfs file.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-20449 is a local information disclosure issue in a Linux kernel Qualcomm HIDMA debugfs path. A local user could read debugfs output and see sensitive kernel address information in callback lines. The provided sources do not show remote exploitation, active exploitation, or a confirmed patch level.

Executive priority

Treat this as a moderate local information disclosure risk. It is lower urgency than remotely exploitable flaws, but it can matter on shared systems or appliances because leaked kernel addresses may weaken defenses during chained attacks.

Technical view

The issue is described in hidma_chan_stats in drivers/dma/qcom/hidma_dbg.c in Linux kernel 4.14.90. The vulnerable behavior exposes sensitive address information through callback= lines in a debugfs file. Product and version metadata in the bundle is incomplete beyond the referenced kernel version and source path.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on systems running affected Linux kernel code with Qualcomm HIDMA debugfs data available to local users. Internet-facing exposure is not indicated. Appliance or storage platforms should be checked against vendor advisories, including NetApp’s notice.

Exploitation context

The source bundle marks KEV as false and provides no evidence of active exploitation. The described attacker position is local user access with permission to read the relevant debugfs file. The evidence supports information disclosure, not standalone remote code execution.

Researcher notes

Evidence is narrow: the CVE description and referenced Linux source identify the leaking debugfs output, while affected product metadata is sparse. Do not assume broader kernel versions, exploit availability, or remediation details without vendor confirmation.

Mitigation direction

  • Check kernel, Linux distribution, and appliance vendor guidance for fixed versions.
  • Review NetApp and other vendor advisories for affected product status.
  • Restrict debugfs access to trusted administrative users where operationally feasible.
  • Reduce untrusted local shell access on systems using affected kernels.
  • Prioritize kernel updates when vendor fixes are available.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux systems around kernel 4.14.90 or vendor-derived kernels.
  • Identify systems using Qualcomm HIDMA-related kernel support.
  • Check whether debugfs is mounted and readable by non-administrative local users.
  • Review vendor advisories for affected product and fixed release mappings.
  • Confirm no compensating controls expose debugfs data to untrusted users.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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