CVE-2017-18328 in Snapdragon Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
Use after free in QSH client rule processing in snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 625, SD 636, SD 820, SD 835, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the Qualcomm Secure Hardware (QSH) client rule processing component of various Snapdragon mobile and wearable chipsets. The flaw exists within the handling of client rules within the secure hardware environment, specifically affecting a range of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, and numerous other models spanning the SD series and SDM series processors. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes client rules in the QSH component, leading to memory management errors that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory deallocation and subsequent access to freed memory regions within the QSH client rule processing logic. When the system handles certain client rule operations, it may release memory resources associated with rule processing structures while still maintaining references to those locations. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the system into accessing previously freed memory, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw operates at the intersection of secure hardware processing and memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the underlying security infrastructure of the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms, affecting both mobile and wearable devices that rely on these chipsets for their secure processing capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive device functions, manipulate secure communications, or escalate privileges within the system. The widespread nature of affected models means that a significant portion of Qualcomm-based devices could be vulnerable, particularly those in the mobile and wearable categories where secure hardware processing is critical for device functionality and user data protection.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a classic example of improper memory management in secure processing environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and execution techniques, as exploitation could lead to system-level compromise. The vulnerability's presence in secure hardware components makes it particularly concerning as it undermines the fundamental security guarantees that secure hardware is designed to provide. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing monitoring for potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could enable sophisticated attacks targeting device security features and user data confidentiality.
The affected platforms span multiple generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset family, indicating this is likely a systemic issue within the secure hardware processing architecture rather than an isolated incident. This widespread impact suggests that the vulnerability may be present in the core secure processing logic shared across these platforms, requiring comprehensive remediation efforts across the entire affected product line. The nature of the vulnerability implies that exploitation could occur without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for devices that rely on continuous secure operation and protection of sensitive data.