CVE-2017-18295 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer overflow if input is not null terminated in DSP Service module in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in version MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SDX20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18295 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the DSP Service module of various Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform processors. This flaw specifically manifests when input data lacks proper null termination, creating a potential exploitation vector that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The affected hardware platforms span multiple generations of Snapdragon automotive and mobile chipsets, including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, and SD 835 processors. The vulnerability resides in the Digital Signal Processor service component that handles multimedia and communication processing tasks within these platforms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise mobile and automotive systems. This issue falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically categorized as a stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient input validation allows memory corruption. The technical flaw exploits the lack of proper input validation mechanisms within the DSP service module, enabling attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations through malformed input data that bypasses null termination checks. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of automotive infotainment systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology that rely on these Snapdragon processors for their core functionality. The operational impact extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable full system compromise, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, which could be leveraged through this buffer overflow to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects automotive systems that utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon Automotive platforms, where the DSP service module handles critical communication and multimedia functions. Mobile devices and wearables using these processors may experience denial of service conditions or more severe exploitation scenarios. The security implications are particularly concerning given that these processors are widely deployed across automotive infotainment systems, smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, creating a broad attack surface. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data to trigger the buffer overflow condition, typically involving specific sequences that bypass normal input validation checks. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration's CWE-121 standard, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. This type of vulnerability represents a fundamental security weakness that has been consistently identified across multiple generations of Qualcomm processors. The potential for remote code execution through this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in automotive environments where system integrity is paramount. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of input validation measures within applications, and deployment of network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in automotive environments where safety-critical systems are increasingly connected. Security researchers recommend that organizations monitor for patches from Qualcomm and device manufacturers, implement runtime protections, and conduct thorough security assessments of affected systems. The vulnerability's impact on automotive systems specifically necessitates attention to the automotive cybersecurity frameworks and standards that govern safety-critical systems in connected vehicles. This issue underscores the critical importance of robust input validation and memory safety mechanisms in embedded systems, particularly in platforms that serve as foundational components for increasingly connected and autonomous vehicle systems.