CVE-2017-18319 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Information leak in UIM API debug messages in snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, 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, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in the Universal Information Management API debug messages within Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile and wearable processors. The issue affects a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, 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, and SD 835 platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of debug messages within the UIM API component that manages subscriber identity modules and SIM card operations. This flaw allows unauthorized access to sensitive information through debug output mechanisms that should only be accessible during development and testing phases. The information leak occurs when the system generates verbose debug messages containing internal system state data, configuration parameters, and potentially sensitive subscriber information during normal operational conditions. Such exposure creates significant security implications as debug messages may contain cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, network credentials, or other confidential data that should remain protected. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information disclosure, and represents a classic case of insecure debug output handling that violates fundamental security principles. The impact extends beyond simple information leakage as the exposed data could enable attackers to perform advanced persistent threats, conduct targeted attacks against specific users, or facilitate further exploitation of the affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial given the widespread deployment of affected Snapdragon chipsets across mobile devices and wearable technology. Any device running on these processors could potentially expose sensitive information through debug messages that are inadvertently enabled in production environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because debug functionality is often enabled in field-deployed devices for troubleshooting purposes, creating an attack surface that persists in live systems. Attackers could leverage this information leak to reconstruct authentication mechanisms, understand system architecture, or identify other potential vulnerabilities within the device ecosystem. The exposure of information through UIM API debug messages specifically targets subscriber identity management functions, potentially allowing adversaries to extract SIM card data, authentication credentials, or network access information that could compromise user privacy and security. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1082, which involves system information discovery, and T1005, which covers data from local system. The vulnerability affects both mobile and wearable devices, creating a broad attack surface across multiple device categories and operating environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the information disclosure issue. System administrators and device manufacturers should disable debug functionality in production environments and ensure that debug messages are properly sanitized or filtered before being exposed to end users. Configuration management practices must be enhanced to prevent accidental enabling of debug modes on deployed devices, particularly in environments where sensitive data processing occurs. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual patterns of debug message exposure that could indicate exploitation attempts. Device security frameworks should be updated to enforce strict access controls on debug interfaces and ensure that sensitive information is not leaked through any system output channels. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and output sanitization in their code to prevent information leakage from debug components, adhering to secure coding practices that align with industry standards and security frameworks. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their mobile device deployments to identify any systems that may still be vulnerable to this information disclosure threat. Regular security audits and penetration testing should include verification that debug functionality is properly disabled in production environments to prevent unauthorized information exposure.