CVE-2018-11279 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Lack of check of input size can make device memory get corrupted because of buffer overflow in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, 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 636, SD 650/52, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform variants including the MDM9206, MDM9607, and various MSM and SD series processors. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the size of data being processed by the affected systems. When maliciously crafted input exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, memory corruption occurs, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This vulnerability specifically impacts automotive systems running Snapdragon Automotive platforms and mobile devices utilizing Snapdragon mobile processors, creating widespread exposure across numerous device models.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper bounds checking during data processing operations within the affected Snapdragon chipsets. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient validation allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The vulnerability manifests when input data exceeds predetermined buffer limits, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with malicious content. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical system variables, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and gain unauthorized access to the device's operational environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across automotive infotainment systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology platforms that rely on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising vehicle safety systems, personal data stored on mobile devices, or wearable technology functionalities. The widespread deployment of these processors across multiple device categories creates significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability affects both consumer and industrial applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, enabling attackers to leverage the buffer overflow for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and Qualcomm, as these patches typically include enhanced input validation routines and memory protection mechanisms. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure and monitor for anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include enabling address space layout randomization (ASLR), data execution prevention (DEP), and implementing robust input sanitization protocols. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation events. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in automotive environments where system reliability directly impacts safety outcomes.