CVE-2017-18131 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
In QTEE, an incorrect fuse value can be blown in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in version MDM9206, MDM9607, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SDM429, SDM439, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18131 represents a critical flaw in the Qualcomm TrustZone Execution Environment QTEE implementation across multiple Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This issue manifests through an incorrect fuse value being blown during the hardware initialization process, fundamentally compromising the security foundation of these devices. The affected hardware platforms span a wide range of Qualcomm's mobile and automotive chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MSM8996AU, and various SD series processors from SD 210 through SDM660, creating an extensive attack surface that impacts numerous automotive and mobile devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of hardware fuse values within the Trusted Execution Environment's initialization routines. Fuses in semiconductor devices serve as permanent configuration settings that define security parameters and device capabilities, making them critical components for maintaining hardware-level security boundaries. When an incorrect fuse value is blown, it effectively modifies the device's security configuration in an unintended manner, potentially disabling critical security features or enabling unauthorized access paths. This flaw operates at the hardware level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass software-based security measures and compromise the integrity of the entire Trusted Execution Environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security breaches to encompass potential full device compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers exploiting this flaw could potentially gain access to secure processing environments where cryptographic keys, biometric data, and other confidential information are stored and processed. The vulnerability affects automotive systems that rely on Snapdragon platforms for infotainment, telematics, and safety-critical functions, creating potential risks for vehicle security and data privacy. Additionally, mobile devices utilizing these chipsets could face compromised secure boot processes, making them vulnerable to rootkit installations and persistent malware that operates within the trusted execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as the flaw resides in hardware initialization processes that cannot be patched through traditional software updates alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive device inventory management to identify all affected platforms and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk assessment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.001 Abuse Elevation of privileges, as it enables unauthorized access to privileged execution environments. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific hardware platforms and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential compromise attempts, particularly in automotive environments where unauthorized access could have physical safety implications.