CVE-2017-18171 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation for GATT data packet received in Bluetooth Controller function can lead to possible memory corruption in Snapdragon Mobile in version QCA9379, 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 650/52, SD 820, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDM630, SDM636, SDM660, SDM710, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18171 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Bluetooth controller functionality of various Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) data packets, which are fundamental components of the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol stack. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the QCA9379 and numerous SD series processors spanning multiple generations, indicating a systemic weakness in the Bluetooth implementation across Qualcomm's mobile platform portfolio.
The technical flaw manifests when the Bluetooth controller receives malformed or improperly formatted GATT data packets that bypass validation checks in the underlying firmware or driver components. This insufficient validation allows maliciously crafted packets to traverse the normal input processing pipeline, potentially leading to buffer overflows, heap corruption, or other memory integrity violations within the controller's operational memory space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow condition, where the controller fails to properly validate the length or content of incoming data before processing it, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for mobile devices running affected Snapdragon chipsets, as it could enable remote code execution attacks through Bluetooth connectivity. An attacker within range of a vulnerable device could potentially exploit this weakness by transmitting specially crafted GATT packets to compromise the device's Bluetooth controller and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control. The impact extends beyond simple device compromise, as the affected processors are commonly found in smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, creating widespread potential for exploitation across numerous consumer and enterprise mobile platforms. The vulnerability's presence in both high-end and mid-range Snapdragon processors means that security implications are not limited to premium devices but affect a substantial portion of the mobile ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18171 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and Qualcomm, as the vulnerability requires patches to the Bluetooth controller firmware to properly implement input validation. Network administrators and device security teams should implement Bluetooth disablement policies where possible, particularly in high-security environments where Bluetooth connectivity is unnecessary. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for remote code execution through network services, while the exploitation techniques align with T1210 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact is most pronounced when attackers can establish legitimate Bluetooth connections to target devices.