CVE-2017-18327 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Security keys are logged when any WCDMA call is configured or reconfigured in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDA660, SDX20, SXR1130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18327 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform implementations that exposes sensitive authentication credentials during telecommunications operations. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm chipsets including MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, and numerous SD series processors spanning from SD 210 through SD 850 and SDA660. The flaw manifests when WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) calls are configured or reconfigured, creating a persistent security risk that compromises the integrity of mobile communication systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of security keys within the cellular modem subsystem of affected Snapdragon platforms. During the configuration or reconfiguration process of WCDMA calls, the system logs sensitive authentication parameters that should remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access. This logging behavior occurs at the hardware level within the modem processor, making it particularly challenging to remediate through software updates alone. The flaw essentially creates a persistent exposure window where security credentials used for cellular authentication are written to system logs, potentially allowing attackers with access to these logs to extract authentication information necessary for unauthorized network access or man-in-the-middle attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18327 extends significantly beyond traditional mobile security concerns, particularly within automotive environments where Snapdragon platforms are extensively deployed. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise vehicle communication systems, potentially affecting telematics services, remote access capabilities, and even critical vehicle functions that rely on cellular connectivity. The exposure of security keys during call reconfiguration creates a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept and reuse authentication credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access to vehicle networks, fleet management systems, or personal data stored in connected vehicles. This vulnerability particularly impacts the automotive industry's growing reliance on cellular connectivity for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications and over-the-air updates.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper handling of sensitive information, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-312, focusing on exposure of sensitive data through logging mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under T1566, representing credential access through network sniffing or log analysis, and potentially T1071, representing application layer protocols used for communication. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple chipset generations indicates a fundamental design flaw in Qualcomm's modem security implementation that affects both consumer and automotive markets. Organizations implementing these platforms must consider the broader implications for their security postures, particularly in environments where cellular communication is critical to operational integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18327 require a multi-layered approach combining firmware updates from Qualcomm, network-level monitoring, and operational security measures. While Qualcomm has released patches addressing this vulnerability, organizations should implement additional controls such as network segmentation, enhanced log monitoring, and access controls for system logs containing potentially sensitive information. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the critical need for comprehensive security testing of automotive platforms. Given the widespread deployment of affected chipsets, security teams should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable Snapdragon platforms and implement appropriate compensating controls until complete remediation is achieved.