CVE-2017-18321 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Security keys used by the terminal and NW for a session could be leaked in snapdragon mobile in versions MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 835, SDA660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18321 represents a critical security flaw affecting Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms including the MDM9650, MDM9655, SD 835, and SDA660 chipsets. This issue specifically pertains to the improper handling of security keys during terminal and network wireless session establishment processes, creating a significant risk for mobile device security. The vulnerability resides within the hardware-based security mechanisms of these Snapdragon processors, which are widely deployed in Android smartphones and tablets worldwide, making the impact particularly widespread across the mobile ecosystem.
The technical implementation flaw involves the insecure storage and management of cryptographic keys used for session authentication between mobile devices and network infrastructure. During normal operation, these security keys should remain protected within secure hardware elements and be properly isolated from unauthorized access or extraction. However, the vulnerability allows for the leakage of these keys through specific memory access patterns and potential side-channel attacks that exploit weaknesses in the key management system. This exposure occurs during the session establishment phase when terminal and network wireless components interact, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept and potentially reuse these cryptographic credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as compromised security keys can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, impersonate legitimate devices, and gain unauthorized access to protected network resources. Mobile devices utilizing affected Snapdragon chipsets become vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can intercept communications and potentially decrypt sensitive information transmitted over wireless networks. The risk is compounded by the fact that these vulnerabilities affect hardware-level security mechanisms that are fundamental to mobile device authentication and encryption, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to corporate networks or personal data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18321 require a multi-layered approach addressing both software and hardware components. Device manufacturers should implement firmware updates that correct the key management implementation and strengthen the isolation of security credentials within the processor's secure elements. Network operators must also review their authentication protocols to detect and respond to potential session hijacking attempts. Security professionals should deploy monitoring solutions capable of identifying unusual authentication patterns that might indicate key compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that protect cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle from generation to destruction. Organizations should prioritize patch management and consider implementing additional authentication layers to reduce the attack surface when dealing with legacy devices containing these vulnerable chipsets.