CVE-2018-11999 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation in trustzone can lead to denial of service in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 636, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11999 represents a critical flaw in the trustzone implementation of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the trusted execution environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations. The affected hardware platforms span multiple generations of Qualcomm's mobile and automotive processors, including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 636, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845/SD 850, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, and SDX24 chipsets. The trustzone component serves as a secure execution environment that handles sensitive operations and cryptographic functions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive applications where system reliability is paramount.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the trustzone fails to properly validate input parameters received from untrusted domains within the system. This improper validation allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that can cause the trustzone component to enter an undefined state or terminate unexpectedly. The vulnerability specifically affects the communication protocols between the application processor and the trustzone, where insufficient bounds checking and input sanitization permits malformed data to propagate through the secure execution environment. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that occurs when input is not properly validated before being processed. The flaw essentially creates a condition where trusted code becomes vulnerable to untrusted input, undermining the security isolation that trustzone is designed to provide.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11999 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise the integrity of automotive systems and mobile devices. In automotive contexts, this vulnerability could lead to complete system failures where vehicle functions become unavailable, potentially affecting critical systems such as infotainment, navigation, or even safety-critical components depending on the vehicle's architecture. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these Snapdragon platforms are widely deployed in automotive infotainment systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology. Mobile device users may experience complete system lockups or reboot cycles, while automotive applications could face scenarios where the vehicle's electronic systems become unresponsive during critical operations. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple generations of hardware platforms indicates a systemic design flaw that affects a broad user base, making it a high-priority concern for both manufacturers and end-users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system integrators. The primary approach involves implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the trustzone components, ensuring that all data received from external sources undergoes comprehensive sanitization before processing. System updates and firmware patches should address the underlying validation gaps by incorporating proper bounds checking and parameter validation routines. Security researchers recommend implementing the principle of least privilege within the trustzone environment, ensuring that only necessary inputs are accepted and that all inputs are strictly validated against predefined acceptable ranges. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems that can identify suspicious input patterns and trigger protective measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python) and T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service: OS Exhaustion) where the attack vector leverages system-level vulnerabilities to achieve denial of service outcomes. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the trustzone validation mechanisms to ensure that the patched implementation properly handles edge cases and malformed inputs without compromising system functionality.