CVE-2018-11929 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Lack of input validation in WLAN function can lead to potential heap overflow in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCS405, QCS605, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 625, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, SDX24
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11929 represents a critical heap overflow condition within the wireless local area network functionality of various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw exists in multiple generations of automotive, consumer IoT, industrial IoT, mobile, and voice/music processing platforms, affecting a broad spectrum of devices including smartphones, automotive systems, and embedded IoT solutions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the WLAN subsystem, which processes wireless communication protocols and manages network connections. When malformed or excessively large input data is processed through the wireless networking functions, the system fails to properly validate the input boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can result in heap overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of wireless network packets and configuration data within the Snapdragon chipsets' wireless subsystem. The lack of proper input validation allows attackers to craft malicious wireless network frames or configuration parameters that exceed the allocated buffer sizes in heap memory regions. This memory corruption can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, system crashes, or unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects multiple Qualcomm platforms including the MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, and various SD series processors, indicating a widespread issue across different product lines and use cases. The heap overflow condition specifically occurs when the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple threat vectors and attack surfaces within wireless-enabled devices. Mobile devices, automotive infotainment systems, and IoT deployments that rely on Snapdragon chipsets are all at risk from exploitation of this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that wireless network protocols are frequently accessed during normal device operation, making exploitation more likely and potentially more persistent than other memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious wireless networks, rogue access points, or by manipulating wireless configuration parameters that devices automatically process. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where devices automatically connect to wireless networks without user intervention.
The security implications of CVE-2018-11929 align with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to privilege escalation and persistent access to affected systems, particularly in automotive environments where wireless connectivity is essential for vehicle operation. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of input validation controls, and network segmentation to limit exposure to malicious wireless networks. Organizations should also consider monitoring for anomalous wireless network behavior and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of memory safety in embedded systems and wireless communication protocols, particularly in automotive and industrial IoT applications where system reliability and security are paramount. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should be implemented to address similar issues in wireless subsystems and prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities across the broader ecosystem of connected devices.