CVE-2018-11288 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Possible undefined behavior due to lack of size check in function for parameter segment_idx can lead to a read outside of the intended region in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDX24, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overread condition that stems from inadequate input validation within the Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform ecosystems. The flaw specifically manifests in the absence of proper size checking for the segment_idx parameter within a designated function, creating a scenario where memory access operations can extend beyond the boundaries of intended data regions. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/212/205, SD 410/12, SD 712/710/670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845/850, SDX24, and SXR1130 platforms. This undefined behavior creates potential for information disclosure and system instability across automotive and mobile environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient size checks for input validation, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The operational impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as it affects automotive safety systems where Snapdragon platforms are deployed for infotainment, telematics, and vehicle control functions. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions, potentially exposing authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or proprietary system information. The affected platforms represent a significant portion of automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive cybersecurity. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract confidential information from memory, potentially compromising vehicle security systems or mobile device privacy. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple chipset generations indicates a systemic design flaw in the memory management functions of Qualcomm's automotive and mobile platforms. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates from device manufacturers, input validation patches, and memory protection mechanisms. The issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper bounds checking in embedded systems where memory corruption can have severe consequences for both consumer privacy and automotive safety systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs to address this class of issues across their automotive and mobile device fleets. The vulnerability underscores the need for robust software security practices in embedded systems development, particularly in automotive environments where system reliability directly impacts safety.