CVE-2017-18283 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Possible memory corruption when Read Val Blob Req is received with invalid parameters in Snapdragon Mobile in version QCA9379, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platform variants including the QCA9379, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDA660 chipsets. The flaw manifests when the system receives a Read Val Blob Req command with malformed or invalid parameters, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the wireless communication subsystem, specifically in how the system processes blob requests that contain variable length data structures. This memory corruption vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the system fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming data parameters before processing them. The issue is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these Snapdragon chipsets across numerous flagship mobile devices, making the attack surface extremely broad.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious packet or command sequence that manipulates the Read Val Blob Req functionality to overwrite adjacent memory locations. When the system processes these invalid parameters, it fails to perform proper bounds checking on the data buffer, allowing an attacker to potentially overwrite critical system memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data. This type of memory corruption can lead to privilege escalation, system crashes, or more dangerously, full system compromise where attackers can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The attack vector typically involves wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi or cellular data transmission, where an attacker positioned within network range could potentially deliver malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18283 extends beyond simple device instability to encompass serious security implications for mobile device users and enterprise environments. Mobile devices utilizing affected Snapdragon chipsets become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that could result in data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or complete device takeover. The vulnerability affects devices from various manufacturers including but not limited to samsung, google, and huawei, given the widespread adoption of Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform. Organizations deploying these devices in enterprise environments face significant risk exposure, particularly in scenarios where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data or serve as primary communication channels. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets indicates a fundamental design flaw in the wireless protocol handling code that requires immediate attention. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation of this vulnerability can occur without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly expose their devices to compromise through normal network communication activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the memory corruption issue. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Device administrators should enforce strict security policies including disabling unnecessary wireless services, implementing network segmentation, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all mobile devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in embedded systems and mobile platforms where memory constraints and real-time processing requirements can lead to security oversights. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor for wireless protocol anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of mobile device fleets are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The incident underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle of mobile platforms and the importance of maintaining robust security hygiene practices across all device components.