CVE-2018-11932 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation can lead RW access to secure subsystem from HLOS in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile in versions MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, QCS605, SD 410/12, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 8CX, SXR1130.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11932 represents a critical security flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that affects multiple automotive, mobile, and IoT device platforms. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the hardware layer of these processors, creating a pathway for unauthorized read access to secure subsystems from the higher-level operating system. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of Snapdragon variants including the MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, QCS605, and numerous SD series processors across different generations, making it particularly concerning given the extensive deployment of these chips in critical infrastructure and consumer devices. The flaw resides in the interaction between the hardware and operating system layers, specifically within the secure execution environment that should normally isolate sensitive operations from potentially malicious software components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers with access to the host operating system level to exploit improper input validation checks that should prevent unauthorized access to secure subsystems. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation scenario where malicious code running at the HLOS (Higher Level Operating System) level can potentially read data from secure areas of the hardware that should remain protected. The vulnerability manifests through insufficient validation of inputs passed between different security domains, enabling an attacker to craft specific inputs that bypass normal access controls. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness that can lead to various attack vectors including information disclosure and privilege escalation. The security implications extend beyond simple data access, as this vulnerability can potentially expose sensitive cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other confidential information stored within the secure subsystems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11932 is substantial across multiple deployment scenarios including automotive systems, mobile devices, and IoT deployments where Snapdragon processors are utilized. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to access vehicle security systems, infotainment data, or even critical control functions through compromised mobile devices or connected vehicle systems. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets means that numerous device manufacturers and end users are potentially exposed to this risk, particularly in environments where device-to-device communication or remote access capabilities exist. The vulnerability's presence in both mobile and automotive platforms creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited through various vectors including malicious applications, compromised device firmware, or network-based attacks that leverage the exposed secure subsystem access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a hardware level, making it difficult to detect and remediate through traditional software patches alone.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate security concerns and the broader ecosystem risks. Device manufacturers should implement firmware updates that correct the input validation issues and strengthen the security boundaries between HLOS and secure subsystems. The implementation of additional runtime protections such as memory isolation mechanisms and enhanced input sanitization routines can help prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors that could leverage this vulnerability. Security monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns to secure subsystems that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically leveraging the T1068 privilege escalation technique and T1003 credential access patterns. The mitigation approach should align with defensive strategies that focus on hardening the hardware-software interface and implementing robust input validation controls at multiple layers of the system architecture.