CVE-2018-11930 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation on input data which is used to locate and copy the additional IEs in WLAN function can lead to potential integer truncation issue in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 675, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, SDX24, SM7150
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11930 represents a critical input validation flaw within the WLAN function of various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, affecting a broad range of automotive, mobile, and IoT devices. This issue stems from inadequate validation of input data used to locate and copy additional Information Elements within wireless communication protocols, creating a pathway for integer truncation attacks that can compromise system integrity and security. The vulnerability impacts multiple Snapdragon generations including MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, and numerous SD series processors, indicating a widespread exposure across Qualcomm's product portfolio.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malformed input data is processed during WLAN function operations, specifically in the handling of Information Elements that define wireless network parameters. The improper input validation allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that trigger integer truncation during data processing operations, potentially leading to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of software input validation and integer arithmetic handling, creating a condition where unsigned integer values are improperly converted to signed integers or where large values are truncated to fit smaller data types. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices and other inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11930 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable remote code execution and system compromise across automotive, industrial, and consumer IoT environments. Devices utilizing affected Snapdragon chipsets in vehicles, industrial control systems, and mobile devices could be vulnerable to attacks that exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources, manipulate wireless communications, or execute malicious code. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms like Snapdragon Auto and industrial IoT devices means that compromised systems could affect vehicle safety systems, industrial automation, and critical infrastructure operations. Attackers could leverage this flaw to perform man-in-the-middle attacks on wireless communications, potentially intercepting or modifying sensitive data transmitted over WLAN networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the input validation issues in affected chipsets. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that wireless network configurations follow security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and wireless communication protocols, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their deployed devices to identify systems running affected Snapdragon chipsets, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where the potential for exploitation could result in significant operational disruption or safety concerns. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues while maintaining the security benefits of proper input validation implementation.