CVE-2017-18279 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Lack of check of buffer length before copying can lead to buffer overflow in camera module in Small Cell SoC, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in FSM9055, FSM9955, IPQ4019, IPQ8064, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCA9531, QCA9558, QCA9563, QCA9880, QCA9886, QCA9980, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 810, SD 820, SD 835, SDM630, SDM636, SDM660, SDX20, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that affects multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC platforms and small cell devices. The flaw occurs due to insufficient validation of buffer length parameters before memory copying operations within the camera module implementation. This architectural weakness allows malicious actors to potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions when processing camera data, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability impacts a vast ecosystem of mobile and IoT devices that rely on Qualcomm's processing units, spanning from entry-level smartphones to enterprise-grade small cell infrastructure.
The technical root cause stems from a classic buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, which occurs when insufficient bounds checking permits copying data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. In this case, the camera module's memory management fails to verify that input data conforms to expected size limitations before performing copy operations. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through manipulated camera input data. The vulnerability affects both the camera subsystem and potentially broader system components due to the interconnected nature of memory management in embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories and deployment scenarios. Mobile devices utilizing affected Snapdragon platforms could experience system crashes, unauthorized data access, or complete device compromise when camera functions are invoked. Small cell infrastructure devices using the FSM9055, FSM9955, and IPQ series processors face similar risks, potentially affecting network security and integrity in cellular communications. The widespread nature of affected hardware means that exploitation could target billions of devices globally, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a supply chain security perspective. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to devices, potentially enabling surveillance capabilities or network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require multiple layers of defense implementation. Device manufacturers should implement immediate firmware updates that include proper buffer length validation checks before all memory copying operations within camera modules. System-level protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to reduce exploitation success rates. Network operators should monitor for suspicious camera-related network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security researchers and organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of affected hardware platforms to identify additional related weaknesses. The mitigation approach aligns with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements for secure software development practices and vulnerability management processes.