CVE-2017-18332 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
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform implementations where security keys are inadvertently logged during WCDMA call configuration and reconfiguration operations. The issue affects a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, and numerous SD series processors spanning from entry-level to high-end mobile platforms. The logging of security keys during call management operations creates a significant exposure point that could allow unauthorized parties to gain access to cryptographic materials essential for secure communications. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and specifically targets the improper handling of cryptographic keys within mobile communication systems. The flaw manifests when the system logs security parameters during call setup or modification processes, potentially exposing authentication credentials and encryption keys that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple domains of mobile and automotive security infrastructure. In automotive applications, where Snapdragon platforms are integrated into vehicle communication systems, the exposure of security keys could enable attackers to intercept and potentially manipulate communications between vehicles and infrastructure components. Mobile devices utilizing these chipsets face similar risks where call security could be compromised, potentially allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks or unauthorized access to secure communication channels. The vulnerability affects both incoming and outgoing WCDMA calls, meaning that any configuration or reconfiguration event could potentially expose sensitive cryptographic materials. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture where system logging mechanisms fail to properly sanitize sensitive information, creating persistent exposure windows during normal operational procedures. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these operations occur during routine call management activities, making exploitation more likely and harder to detect.
Security implications of CVE-2017-18332 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1552.001 (Credentials from Password Stores) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) where attackers could leverage exposed keys to establish persistent access or conduct advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform credential harvesting attacks, potentially enabling them to impersonate legitimate users or devices within WCDMA networks. Organizations deploying these Snapdragon platforms in security-critical environments face heightened risk of unauthorized access to communication channels, particularly in scenarios where secure voice communications are required. The logging behavior suggests that the system design did not adequately consider the security implications of storing cryptographic material in persistent logs, which violates fundamental security principles of information hiding and access control. This flaw could also enable attackers to perform cryptographic attacks against the exposed keys, potentially leading to complete compromise of secure communication channels. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets across automotive and mobile markets means that the potential impact spans millions of devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat landscape perspective. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of log sanitization procedures, and network-level monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.