CVE-2018-11927 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation on input which is used as an array index will lead to an out of bounds issue while processing AP find event from firmware in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCA6174A, QCA6574AU, QCA9377, QCA9379, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDX20, SDX24, SM7150
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical input validation flaw that occurs when firmware processes AP find events through array indexing operations. The issue manifests in Snapdragon automotive and consumer connectivity platforms where improper validation of input parameters used as array indices creates opportunities for out-of-bounds memory access. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCA6174A, QCA6574AU, QCA9377, QCA9379, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 625, SD 675, SD 712/SD 710/SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 845/SD 850, SD 855, SDX20, SDX24, and SM7150 platforms. The flaw specifically occurs during firmware processing of AP find events where unvalidated user input is directly used as an array index without proper bounds checking mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the firmware processing pipeline. When the system receives AP find event data from the application processor, it fails to validate the input data before using it as an array index. This creates a scenario where maliciously crafted input could cause the system to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized as a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through improper input handling and lacks sufficient bounds checking mechanisms. This flaw directly maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for input validation bypass and T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The absence of proper input sanitization creates a path for attackers to manipulate array access patterns and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple automotive and consumer IoT applications where these Snapdragon chipsets are deployed. In automotive environments using Snapdragon Auto platforms, this vulnerability could potentially compromise vehicle connectivity systems and infotainment functionality. For consumer electronics and IoT devices, the flaw may enable attackers to cause denial of service conditions, system crashes, or potentially execute unauthorized code within the firmware context. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets across various product lines increases the attack surface significantly. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, particularly in environments where firmware updates are infrequent or unavailable. Attackers could leverage this issue to gain unauthorized access to sensitive communication channels, potentially affecting vehicle security systems or consumer device functionality. The nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in connected vehicle environments where system reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms within the firmware processing pipeline. The primary remediation involves adding proper bounds checking before any array index operations, ensuring that all input parameters used as indices are validated against acceptable ranges. System designers should implement defensive programming practices that include range validation, input sanitization, and proper error handling mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize firmware updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers to address this vulnerability across all affected platforms. Additionally, runtime monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for anomalous array access patterns. The implementation of memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues within firmware components. Network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, particularly in automotive and industrial environments where these chipsets are deployed.