CVE-2018-11258 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
In ADSP RPC in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile and Snapdragon Wear, a Use After Free condition can occur in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SDX20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11258 represents a critical use after free condition within the ADSP RPC component of Qualcomm's Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and wearable platforms. This flaw exists across multiple Snapdragon chipset variants including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, and various SD series processors. The issue stems from improper memory management within the Audio Driver Subsystem Remote Procedure Call framework which handles communication between different processing units in these devices. When the system processes certain RPC requests, it fails to properly validate memory references before accessing freed memory blocks, creating a scenario where malicious actors could exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects automotive systems where reliable operation is critical for safety and security.
The technical implementation of this use after free vulnerability occurs when the ADSP RPC service receives and processes specific command sequences that trigger memory deallocation without proper reference validation. According to CWE-416, this represents a classic use after free condition where memory is accessed after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the freed memory location to execute malicious code. The flaw manifests in the RPC handling code where buffer management routines do not properly track memory references, enabling attackers to overwrite freed memory with crafted payloads. This condition can be exploited through specially crafted RPC messages that cause the system to free memory blocks while still maintaining references to them, creating opportunities for code execution. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11258 extends across automotive, mobile, and wearable device ecosystems where these Snapdragon chipsets are deployed. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to compromise vehicle infotainment systems, telematics units, or even critical safety systems that rely on the ADSP for audio processing and communication. Mobile device users face risks of unauthorized code execution that could lead to data theft, system compromise, or persistent backdoor access. Wearable devices utilizing these chipsets could similarly be compromised, potentially exposing sensitive health data or personal information. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets means that the potential attack surface is extensive, affecting millions of devices across multiple manufacturers including automotive OEMs, smartphone manufacturers, and wearable device producers. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through legitimate RPC communication channels, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by normal device operations or malicious network communication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11258 require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the memory management issues in the ADSP RPC component. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit RPC communication between trusted and untrusted networks, as recommended by NIST SP 800-53 control CM-7 for configuration management. Device administrators should disable unnecessary RPC services and implement strict access controls for RPC communication channels. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous RPC traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in embedded systems and the need for comprehensive security testing of inter-process communication mechanisms. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of RPC frameworks and memory management routines to identify similar use after free conditions. Additionally, implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense in depth against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized firmware modifications that could bypass security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices in automotive and mobile platforms, particularly when handling inter-component communication in safety-critical systems where memory corruption vulnerabilities can have severe consequences.