CVE-2017-18303 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
While processing the sensors registry configuration file, if inputs are not validated a buffer overflow will occur in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear in version MMDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 600, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SDA660, SDX20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that exists within the sensor registry configuration processing functionality of multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate input data during the parsing of sensor registry configuration files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The affected hardware platforms span a wide range of mobile and automotive Snapdragon processors including the MMDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, and numerous SD series processors from SD 210 through SD 835, along with the SDA660 and SDX20 variants. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically representing a classic stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when insufficient bounds checking is performed on user-supplied input data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities within the affected embedded systems. When malformed input data is processed through the sensor registry configuration parser, the buffer overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. This presents significant security implications for automotive systems that rely on Snapdragon chipsets for sensor data processing and vehicle control functions, as well as for mobile devices where sensor fusion data is critical for various security features including biometric authentication, location services, and device security mechanisms. The vulnerability's presence in automotive-grade processors like the Snapdragon Automotive platforms increases the risk profile substantially, as these systems often control critical vehicle functions such as braking, steering, and airbag deployment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious sensor registry configuration files that trigger the buffer overflow condition during normal system operation. This typically involves providing input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size in the sensor configuration processing code, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a software exploitation technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the overflow could potentially enable attackers to execute malicious commands within the device's operating environment. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple processor generations indicates that it represents a fundamental design flaw in the input validation mechanisms of the sensor registry configuration parser, affecting both consumer and industrial IoT devices that depend on Qualcomm's embedded processing solutions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the sensor registry configuration processing code, including bounds checking, memory sanitization, and proper buffer management practices. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize firmware updates from Qualcomm that address the specific buffer overflow condition in the sensor registry processing module. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure to potentially malicious sensor configuration data, particularly in automotive environments where sensor data integrity is paramount. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the necessity of thorough input validation for all user-supplied data, particularly in safety-critical applications where buffer overflows can lead to severe consequences. Organizations should also implement monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous sensor registry configuration data patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.