CVE-2017-18156 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
While processing camera buffers in camera driver, a use after free condition can occur in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SDX20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical use after free condition that manifests in the camera driver component of various Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. The flaw occurs during the processing of camera buffers, where improper memory management allows an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The affected hardware platforms span multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, and SDX20 series. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires understanding the camera driver's memory management patterns and the specific buffer processing sequences that lead to the freed memory being accessed again. When camera buffers are processed, the driver may release memory back to the system while still maintaining references to that memory location, creating a window where malicious code can manipulate the freed memory before it is reused. This condition is particularly dangerous in automotive environments where the Snapdragon Automobile platforms are deployed, as they often control critical vehicle functions including driver assistance systems and infotainment components. The attack surface extends to any application that interacts with the camera subsystem, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive cybersecurity.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18156 is significant across multiple domains including automotive security, mobile device integrity, and embedded system safety. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems, compromise driver safety features, or even enable remote code execution within the vehicle's infotainment or telematics systems. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Snapdragon platforms means that a wide range of devices could be affected, from smartphones and tablets to automotive infotainment systems and IoT devices. This creates a substantial attack surface that security professionals must address through comprehensive patch management and system hardening measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from Qualcomm and device manufacturers, along with implementing additional security controls such as memory protection mechanisms and runtime monitoring. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should implement network segmentation, monitor for unusual camera driver behavior, and maintain updated security tooling to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly in automotive environments where security failures can have life-critical consequences. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of automotive infotainment systems are essential to identify similar memory safety issues that could compromise vehicle cybersecurity.