CVE-2018-11269 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
In Snapdragon (Automobile, Mobile, Wear) in version MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660, SDM429, SDM439, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM710, SDX20, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, a potential buffer overflow exists when parsing TFTP options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2020
This vulnerability resides within the Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and wearable platform ecosystems, specifically affecting a broad range of Qualcomm chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, and various SD series processors. The flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition during the parsing of Trivial File Transfer Protocol options, representing a critical security weakness that could enable remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the TFTP implementation, allowing maliciously crafted option data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits access beyond allocated memory. The impact extends across multiple automotive and mobile platforms, creating widespread exposure given the prevalence of these chipsets in connected vehicles and mobile devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the affected Snapdragon processors handle TFTP requests containing malformed option parameters. During the parsing process, the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming option data against predefined buffer limits, enabling attackers to craft malicious TFTP packets that trigger memory corruption. The buffer overflow can potentially overwrite critical program execution flow control structures, including return addresses and function pointers, thereby enabling attackers to redirect execution to malicious code. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, making it particularly dangerous in automotive environments where vehicles rely heavily on wireless communication for diagnostics, updates, and entertainment systems. The attack surface is significantly expanded due to the widespread deployment of these chipsets in both consumer and industrial applications.
Operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe, particularly within automotive contexts where vehicle security is paramount. An attacker could potentially compromise vehicle control systems through unauthorized TFTP communications, affecting critical functions such as engine management, braking systems, or infotainment platforms. The vulnerability's presence across multiple generations of Snapdragon chipsets means that numerous vehicle models and mobile devices could be affected simultaneously. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique that could be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistence within affected systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly concerning as attackers could potentially compromise vehicles or mobile devices without physical access, creating significant safety and security risks. The affected platforms include both automotive-specific modems and general mobile processors, indicating the vulnerability affects a diverse range of connected devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and monitoring of TFTP traffic can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, particularly in automotive environments where such communications should be strictly controlled. Implementing proper input validation mechanisms at the application level and conducting regular security assessments of network protocols can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation, particularly when handling network protocols that may receive untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious TFTP activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Given the automotive implications, manufacturers should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their connected vehicle systems and implement robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their fleets.