CVE-2018-13898 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Out-of-Bounds write due to incorrect array index check in PMIC in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MDM9655, QCS405, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that occurs within the power management integrated circuit firmware of various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. The flaw stems from an insufficient array index validation mechanism during PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) operations, specifically affecting multiple generations of mobile and automotive processors. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of devices including automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial IoT solutions, and mobile platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across Qualcomm's product portfolio.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the firmware's array boundary checking logic where the system fails to properly validate index values before performing memory write operations. This allows malicious actors to craft inputs that cause the processor to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of PMIC control arrays. The affected chipsets span across multiple generations including the SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439/SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712/SD 710/SD 670, SD 730, SD 835, SD 845/SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, and SXR1130 platforms. The vulnerability manifests in the MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MDM9655, QCS405, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, and SD 210/SD 212/SD 205 processors, creating a substantial attack surface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the PMIC domain, potentially compromising system stability and security. The out-of-bounds write condition could lead to system crashes, unauthorized access to power management functions, or even complete system compromise depending on the execution context. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as it affects critical power management functions that control device power states, charging operations, and system thermal management. This flaw represents a serious concern for automotive applications where power management reliability is paramount, as well as for consumer devices where unauthorized code execution could lead to data breaches or device manipulation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these chipsets in mobile devices, automotive systems, and IoT solutions, where the vulnerability could be exploited through firmware updates, malicious applications, or specially crafted system inputs. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of memory protection mechanisms, and enhanced input validation procedures within PMIC firmware. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious power management activities and implementing network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper bounds checking in embedded firmware systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of power management components in automotive and mobile platforms.
This flaw represents a fundamental security weakness in the firmware design of Qualcomm's power management systems, where insufficient validation of array indices creates opportunities for memory corruption attacks. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the extensive device ecosystem that relies on these chipsets, making it a high-priority target for threat actors seeking to exploit embedded system weaknesses. The technical nature of the flaw suggests that it could be triggered through legitimate system operations that involve PMIC control functions, potentially making detection and prevention challenging. Device manufacturers should prioritize firmware updates and implement robust security measures to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability across their deployed device fleets.