CVE-2017-18278 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
An integer underflow may occur due to lack of check when received data length from font_mgr_qsee_request_service is bigger than the minimal value of the segment header, which may result in a buffer overflow, in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18278 represents a critical integer underflow condition within the font management subsystem of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This flaw manifests when the font_mgr_qsee_request_service component processes incoming data without adequate validation of the received data length against the minimum segment header requirements. The absence of proper bounds checking creates a scenario where maliciously crafted font data can trigger arithmetic underflow conditions that ultimately lead to buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Qualcomm Quick Response Service (QSEE) framework responsible for font management operations. When font data is transmitted to the system, the service fails to verify that the data length parameter remains within acceptable ranges relative to the segment header minimum values. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate the data length field to values that cause integer underflow during arithmetic operations, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon platform generations including automotive systems and mobile devices. Affected hardware platforms encompass the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650 chipsets alongside various SD series processors such as SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, and SD 850 processors. This broad scope indicates the vulnerability affects both automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's secure execution environment for font rendering operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-191 Integer Underflow and CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, representing a classic combination of arithmetic manipulation leading to memory corruption. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through software exploitation, potentially allowing adversaries to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction as it can be triggered through font data processing during normal system operations.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation mechanisms that check data length parameters against predefined minimum and maximum values before processing. System updates should include bounds checking routines that prevent integer underflow conditions in the font management service. Additionally, memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization should be enhanced to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in secure system design and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of arithmetic operations in embedded systems.