CVE-2017-18330 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in AES-CCM and AES-GCM encryption via initialization vector in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions IPQ8074, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
This buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the cryptographic implementations of AES-CCM and AES-GCM modes within Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. The flaw specifically manifests when processing initialization vectors during encryption operations, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Qualcomm chipsets including IPQ8074, MDM9206, MDM9607, and numerous MSM and SD series processors, indicating a fundamental issue in the cryptographic library implementation rather than isolated hardware components.
The technical root cause stems from improper validation of initialization vector lengths within the AES-CCM and AES-GCM encryption algorithms. When these cryptographic modes process data, they expect initialization vectors of specific lengths to maintain security properties and memory boundaries. However, the implementation fails to properly verify that the provided initialization vector conforms to expected size constraints, allowing an attacker to supply oversized vectors that exceed allocated buffer space. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in cryptographic implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise. An attacker who can control the initialization vector used in encryption operations could potentially execute arbitrary code within the cryptographic processing context. This is particularly concerning in automotive environments where Snapdragon platforms are used for critical systems such as infotainment, telematics, and vehicle control modules. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems, potentially compromising vehicle safety and security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, with potential for lateral movement once initial access is achieved.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate firmware updates and architectural defenses. Qualcomm has released security patches addressing the specific buffer overflow conditions, and system administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across affected platforms. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring of encryption-related system calls can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing cryptographic algorithm validation procedures to ensure that initialization vectors meet expected size and format requirements before processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in cryptographic implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded cryptographic libraries.